travel credit cards for beginners

The Best Travel Credit Cards, For Beginners, Pros, and Everyone in Between

By Carly Helfand

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Looking for the best travel credit card? That's easy—there’s just one issue: choosing which one to go with. There’s no shortage of travel rewards credit cards out there, and while having plenty of options is great for consumers, it can also make things a little confusing. The truth is, there’s no single consensus pick. However, there are some cards that stand out above the rest. Below, we’ve outlined our top choices and exactly why they made the cut—plus an idea or two on how to spend the welcome bonuses with some of our favorite hotels and airlines.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Compensation does not impact how or where cards appear on the site. We don't review or include all companies, or all available products. Moreover, the editorial content on this page was not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are entirely those of Condé Nast Traveler's editorial team.

What are the benefits of a travel credit card?

For many, the driving factor in opening a travel credit card is the ability to earn points that can later be turned into free flights or hotel stays—but the best travel credit cards also offer perks like  free night certificates ,  elite status , trip delay protection, and annual travel credits that are pretty motivating, too.

Is a travel credit card worth the annual fee?

The answer is almost always yes, thanks to their generous rewards structures, flexible redemption options, and travel perks—provided you can use them. Going through a list of these features is a great place to start when looking for your perfect match, whether you’re just getting acquainted with the options or looking to add a second or third travel card to your rotation. Plus, some of the welcome bonuses are upwards of six figures, sweetening the deal even more and setting you well on your way to free flights and hotel stays.

What should I consider before choosing a card?

If you want to find the absolute best travel credit card for you, you’ll need to take into account a number of factors—where you live, where you want to go, and your  spending habits  included. All of this means that a card that's great for you may not be such a hot pick for someone else.

Below, I’ll walk you through 10 of the best travel cards available right now. Looking specifically for the  best airline credit cards  or  hotel credit cards ? We've got you covered there, too.

• Best for beginners : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for building credit : Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for airfare and lounge access : The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for groceries and dining : American Express® Gold Card
• Best value : Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best for flexible rewards : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for varied bonus categories : Citi Premier Card
• Best hotel card : Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
• Best for cash back : Citi Double Cash Card
• Best for rent : Bilt Mastercard
• Best for retail : Chase Freedom Flex
• Best business credit card : Chase Ink Business Preferred

Reach your Chase Sapphire Preferred Card welcome bonus to book a night at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best for beginners

Why we love it:  The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been a popular card for years, and with good reason. For a modest annual fee, it boasts a sizable welcome bonus, strong earning rates in popular spending categories, and the option to redeem points through the Chase portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point or transfer them to airline and hotel partners. It’s widely considered a top pick for those who are  venturing into the world  of points and miles for the first time. The Chase Sapphire Reserve , the preferred’s pricier, $550-a-year sibling, is not on this list, as many find its extra benefits don’t justify the added cost. But it is an option for those looking for a product that comes with lounge access.

How it earns points:  The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns two points per dollar on all travel purchases, as well as five points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase, three points per dollar on all dining and online grocery purchases, and three points per dollar on select streaming services. It earns one point per dollar on everything else.

Additional perks:  In the event of a  travel delay , the Preferred offers up to $500 per ticket in reimbursement for hotels, meals, and incidentals (this means if you booked flights for you and your partner on the same card, you’d each qualify for the stipend). It also offers a 10 percent anniversary points bonus and a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit.

Annual fee:  $95

Foreign transaction fees:  None

Current welcome bonus : Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

How to spend it:  Transfer the points to World of Hyatt to book two nights at at a Category 7 property at standard rates, such as the Park Hyatt Tokyo or the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa .

Jesse Ashlock

Lane Nieset

Kaylee Harter

Read a   full review   of this card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best for building credit

Why we love it:  Travel cards often require strong credit scores, so the Freedom Unlimited is a great way to build your credit with a free, easier-to-open card while earning rewards that can convert to travel rewards in the long term. While the Chase Freedom Unlimited is technically a cash-back card, if you pair it with a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points—such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred—you’ll be able to instantly convert your rewards into valuable travel points by moving them between accounts.

How it earns points:   You’ll earn five points per dollar on  travel booked  through Chase Ultimate Rewards, three points per dollar on drugstore purchases and dining, and 1.5 points per dollar on everything else.

Additional perks:  This fee-free card is understandably light on perks, but it does come with some shopping and auto insurance protections.

Annual fee:  None

Foreign transaction fees:  3 percent

Current welcome bonus:   Earn $200 in cash back (20,000 points) after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, five percent cash back on gas station and grocery store purchases on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.

How to spend it:  Transfer to British Airways to book a short-haul economy flight on Alaska Airlines, such as Seattle to Los Angeles.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for airfare and lounge access

Why we love it:  The Platinum Card from American Express is a heavy hitter. With its strong points-earning potential and perks, it takes the headaches out of traveling. This American Express card has access to not one, but two networks of domestic and international  airport lounges ; elite status with two top hotel chains; and so many credits, it’s hard to keep track—especially with a list that keeps on growing. And when it’s time to cash in points, cardholders have the option to transfer to numerous airline and hotel partners, including some of the  world’s top carriers .

How it earns points:  The Platinum earns five Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or via Amex Travel on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, as well as five points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. It earns one point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Additional perks:  Amex is all about offsetting this card’s high annual fee with a slate of compelling benefits and statement credits galore. It comes with an annual $200 credit to the airline of your choice to cover incidentals; $200 per year in Uber credit; a $200 hotel credit on qualifying prepaid bookings of at least two nights through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts; a $300 Equinox credit to put toward gym membership; a $240 entertainment credit for eligible digital subscriptions; an $189 CLEAR Plus credit; a  Global Entry  or TSA PreCheck credit worth up to $100; up to $100 in annual Saks Fifth Avenue credits; cell phone protection; airport lounge access to both Amex’s own network of  Centurion Lounges  and Priority Pass; Gold Elite status with both Hilton and Marriott; and more. (Enrollment is required and terms apply to all of the aforementioned perks and statement credits.) The card comes with shopping, baggage, and rental car insurance, as well as access to sought-after restaurant reservations through a partnership with Resy.

Annual fee:  $695 ( see rates and fees )

Current welcome bonus:  Earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within six months of account opening.

How to spend it:  Transfer the points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book round-trip business class tickets to Japan on Virgin's partner ANA. You can fly from the West Coast to  Tokyo  or  Kyoto  for 90,000 miles or the Midwest or East Coast to the island country's major cities for 95,000 miles.

Read a  full review  of this card.

Use Amex points to enjoy a stay at the St. Regis in Mexico City.

American Express® Gold Card

Best for groceries and dining

Why we love it:  We all need to eat, and no matter how you do it,  you’ll be rewarded  if you hold the American Express Gold Card, which offers bonus points on both  restaurant  and supermarket spending. The card also comes with credits you can put toward takeout and delivery, as well as Uber. Gold Card users will also have access to Amex’s extensive transfer partner list when it comes time to put their hard-earned points to good use.

How it earns points:  The Gold Card earns four Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 each year, then one point per dollar). It also earns three points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or with AmEx Travel, as well as one point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Additional perks:  The Gold Card comes with a dining credit of up to $120 that can be used on dining through GrubHub, Goldbelly, and more (enrollment required, terms apply), as well as a $120 Uber Cash and a $100 The Hotel Collection credit when you stay two nights or more (enrollment required, terms apply). It also provides shopping, baggage, and rental car protections. Annual fee:  $250 ( see rates and fees )

Current welcome bonus:  Earn 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within six months of account opening.

How to spend it:  Transfer 63,000 points to Cathay Pacific to book a one-way business class ticket between the US and Helsinki on Finnair.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why we love it:  Capital One’s first foray into the premium credit card space is a good one. On top of solid earning potential, the  Venture X  offers an array of easy-to-use perks that make it a solid competitor against top offerings from Chase and Amex—with a much lower annual fee. Points earned with the card can be transferred to Capital One’s solid list of transfer partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles.

How it earns points:  The Venture X nets two miles per dollar on every purchase, with bonuses on travel. The card gets 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via the Capital One Travel portal, along with five miles per dollar on flights booked through the portal.

Additional perks:  The card comes with $300 annual credit good for bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal, a 10,000-mile bonus on every account anniversary, unlimited access for you and two guests to  Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges  worldwide, and a $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or  Global Entry .

Annual fee:  $395

Current welcome bonus:  Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

How to spend it:  Transfer to Air Canada's Aeroplan to book Lufthansa first class on a one-way flight to Europe of up to 6,000 miles long, such as Chicago to Frankfurt.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for flexible rewards

Why we love it:  Simplicity is the name of the game with the Capital One Venture Rewards card, the Venture X's predecessor. It’s a straightforward card for those who don’t spend a ton of money in any one category and who want to avoid a hefty  annual fee . Use your miles to wipe travel purchases off your statement or transfer them to one of 17 loyalty partners, including AirFrance-KLM and Turkish Airlines.

How it earns points:  The Venture card earns two miles per dollar on all purchases, plus five miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Additional perks:  The Venture card doesn’t have the perks of a more expensive premium card, but cardholders do get a $100  TSA PreCheck or Global Entry  credit every four years.

Current welcome bonus:  Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

How to spend it:  Transfer the miles to Turkish Airlines' Miles&Smiles program to nab four round-trip business economy class tickets between anywhere on the US mainland and Hawaii on Turkish Airlines' partner United.

A trip to Casablanca is in reach with the Citi Premier card.

Citi Premier Card

Best for varied bonus categories

Why we love it:  The Citi Premier often flies under the radar—but it shouldn’t. The card boasts a slew of easy-to-maximize bonus categories, earning customers extra points on dining, groceries, gas, air travel, and hotels. And while Citi’s lineup of transfer partners doesn’t get as much attention as Chase or Amex, it still features top-notch choices for booking flights, both  domestic  and international (JetBlue TrueBlue and Qatar Airways Privilege Club are among Citi’s list of partners).

How it earns points:  The Premier earns three Citi ThankYou points per dollar spent at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, as well as three points per dollar spent on airfare and hotels. It earns one point per dollar on everything else.

Additional perks:  The card offers a once-a-year credit of $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more when booking through the Citi ThankYou portal, as well as access to ticket pre-sales and cardmember-only events.

Current welcome bonus:  Earn 60,000 points once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

How to spend it:  Transfer the points to Etihad Guest to book round-trip business class tickets between New York and  Casablanca  on Royal Air Maroc. You’ll be well on your way to the 88,000 requisite points after you spend the money required to trigger the welcome bonus.

A weekend at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea on Maui could be in your future.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire

Best hotel card

Why we love it:  You won’t find a more lucrative hotel card than the Hilton Honor American Express Aspire, which gives cardholders its top-tier Diamond status, an uncapped free night reward, resort credits, and sky-high earning rates. But the best part is, it’s more than just a hotel card. It also offers airfare credits and bonus points at US restaurants, providing a more well-rounded travel experience.

How it earns points:  The Aspire earns 14 Hilton Honors points per dollar spent with Hilton hotels and resorts, as well as seven points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at US restaurants. It earns three points per dollar on everything else.

Additional perks:  Cardholders automatically receive Hilton’s highest elite status, Diamond, as well as one free night every year after renewal that can be redeemed at most Hilton properties. Each account year, cardholders are also eligible for up to $400 in statement credits toward purchases at Hilton Resorts, as well as $200 worth of statement credits for airfare purchases.

Annual fee:  $550

Current welcome bonus:  Earn 180,000 bonus points once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months from account opening.

How to spend it:  Combine 120,000 points with the card’s free night certificate for a weekend at the  Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal .

Citi Double Cash Card

Best for cash back

Why we love it:  Like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the Citi Double Cash Card is actually a cash-back card, but if you have a second card—like the Citi Premier—that earns ThankYou points, you’ll be able to convert your  cash back  into travel rewards. It’s also easy to use, earning a flat two points per dollar on every dollar spent, no matter what the category.

How it earns points:  The Citi Double Cash card earns two points per dollar on all purchases—one point when you buy, and one point when you pay your bill.

Additional perks:  The card comes access to ticket pre-sales and cardmember-only events.

Current welcome bonus:  Earn $200 cash back once you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first six months from account opening.

Bilt Mastercard

Best for rent

Why we love it:  Bilt is a relative newcomer to the scene, and it’s shaking things up in the best way. It allows renters to earn points on their rent without paying credit card processing fees—and not just any points. Bilt’s points are transferable, and its list of transfer partners, including American Airlines AAdvantage, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and World of Hyatt, is unmatched in the industry. The card also earns on travel and dining, and while it doesn’t have a sign-up bonus, it does unveil fun new bonuses each month for Rent Day, or the first of the month, in addition to the ability to double your points earned on that day. And all of these benefits come without an annual fee.

How it earns points:  The Bilt Mastercard earns three points per dollar on dining, two points per dollar on dining, and one point per dollar on everything else, including rent. Those bonuses double for purchases aside from rent made on the first day of each month.

Additional perks:  The card comes with trip delay and interruption protection of up to $5,000, trip delay reimbursement, an auto rental collision damage waiver, and a $5 Lyft credit when you take three rides in a calendar month.

Current welcome bonus:  None

Chase Freedom Flex

Best retail card

Why we love it:  Like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the Chase Freedom Flex Card is actually a cash back card whose points can convert to Ultimate Rewards if you have another card that earns them. Its unique earning structure allows you to earn a bonus in a rotating category each quarter, many of which are categories not often covered by other cards—such as Amazon purchases, department stores, or PayPal purchases.

How it earns points:  You’ll earn five points per dollar on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating bonus categories each quarter. You’ll also earn five points per dollar on  travel booked  through Chase Ultimate Rewards, three points per dollar on drugstore purchases and dining, and one point per dollar on everything else.

Additional perks:  Like its sister card, the Freedom Flex comes with some shopping and auto insurance protections, as well as cell phone protection.

Current welcome bonus:  Earn $200 in cash back (20,000 points) after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, five percent cash back on gas station and grocery store purchases on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.

How to spend it:  Transfer the points to Southwest Rapid Rewards for a domestic winter getaway to a Sun Belt state.

Chase Ink Business Preferred

Best business credit card

Why we love it:  For small business owners, the Chase Ink Business Preferred is a great card to have in the rotation. For a modest $95 annual fee, it earns three points per dollar on travel, as well as on a host of useful business categories ranging from shipping to advertising and beyond. It also comes with a sky-high welcome bonus right now, making it a great opportunity to jump-start or boost your balance of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

How it earns points:  The Chase Ink Business Preferred earns three points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent each account anniversary year combined on shipping purchases; internet, cable, and phone services; advertising purchase with social media sites and search engines; and travel. It earns an uncapped one point per dollar on all other purchases.

Additional perks:  The card comes with an auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection, cell phone protection, and extended warranty protection.

Current welcome bonus:  Earn 100,000 points once you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

How to spend it:  Transfer the points to Iberia to fly round trip in business class to Madrid from Boston, Chicago, or New York on off-peak dates for just 68,000 miles or from West Coast hubs for 95,000 miles.

See rates and fees for American Express cards listed: The Platinum Card ; The Gold Card , Aspire . All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Condé Nast Traveler; this card is no longer available through Condé Nast Traveler.

Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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Find the best credit card for you

Best travel rewards credit cards for beginners in 2024, it's never too early — or too late — to get started with earning and redeeming travel rewards..

If you're interested in starting to earn points or miles and enjoying a range of redemption options, there are plenty of travel rewards credit cards to choose from, each with its own benefits. Many of them come with travel perks and protections, offer lucrative welcome bonuses to help you get started, provide access to their respective card issuer's travel portals and let you maximize your rewards by transferring them to various airline and hotel partners. And while many of the top rewards cards have an annual fee , it's often easy to get your money's worth considering all the benefits they come with.

Below, CNBC Select details the best beginner travel rewards credit cards to help you get started with earning points and miles, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel-related activities. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best travel rewards cards for beginners.)

Best starter travel rewards credit cards

• Best for everyday expenses: American Express® Gold Card
• Best for flexible rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for frequent travelers : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Best for no annual fee : Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
• Best for earning rewards: Citi Strata Premier ℠  Card
• Best for cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for average credit: Credit One Bank Wander® Card
• Best for welcome offer: Discover it® Miles
• Best for earning rewards with no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
• Best for students: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

Best for everyday expenses

American express® gold card.

4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Not applicable

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Balance transfer fee

Foreign transaction fee, credit needed.

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our American Express® Gold Card review .

Who's this for? If you're someone whose budget consists mainly of travel, dining and grocery expenses, the American Express® Gold Card might be an ideal choice.

Standout benefits: The Amex Gold Card provides a range of travel and dining benefits including up to $120 worth of Uber Cash each year ($10 per month) to put toward rides in the U.S. and dining via Uber Eats (you must add your Amex Gold Card as a payment method in the Uber app to enroll) and up to $120 worth of annual dining credits ($10 each month) when you use the card to pay for dining through participating partners like Grubhub, Milk Bar, The Cheesecake Factory and certain Shake Shack restaurants (enrollment required).

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for flexible rewards

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great choice for those just starting with points and miles because of its wide range of travel benefits and redemption opportunities — and for a modest $95 annual fee.

Standout benefits: Perks include a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, a 10% points boost on your card anniversary, auto rental collision damage waivers , baggage delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and special discounts on purchases made through DoorDash , and Instacart+ . You'll also never have to worry about paying foreign transaction fees for using the card outside the U.S.

Best for frequent travelers

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

N/A for purchases and balance transfers

19.99% - 29.99% variable

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Who's this for? If bonus categories confuse you and you want a more straightforward earning structure, look no further than the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which gives you 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, as well as 5X miles per dollar whenever you book rental cars or hotels through Capital One Travel.

Standout benefits: This card offers a statement credit of up to $100 to cover  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership . There are no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ) and cardholders receive MasterRental Insurance*, Travel Assistance Services* and access to additional perks through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment .

*Benefit available to accounts approved for the World Elite Mastercard product, subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions in the World Elite Mastercard Guide to Benefits. See Account Terms or Application Terms for more details. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

Best for no annual fee

Capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 1.25X miles per dollar on every purchase

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months

19.99% to 29.99% variable

3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time

Read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review.

Who's this for? Paying an annual fee doesn't make sense for everyone, especially if you're new to the world of travel rewards. If you're in that boat, consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

Standout benefits: Many benefits are similar to its sibling, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , including no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage waiver, access to exclusive events and experiences, purchase protection and extended warranty protection (see rates and fees ). *Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.

Best for earning rewards

Citi strata premier℠ card.

Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.; 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations; 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

21.24% - 29.24% variable

5% of each balance transfer, $5 minimum

Good/Excellent

See rates and fees . Terms apply.

• Amazing 10X and 3X spending categories
• Earns transferrable points
• $95 annual fee
• No special financing offers

Who's this for? Anyone interested in a generous welcome bonus and an easy way to pick up points should consider signing up for the Citi Strata Premier ℠  Card , which is currently offering 70,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Standout benefits:  There are no transaction fees for using the card outside the U.S. You'll also receive a $100 annual hotel savings benefit, which can be used when booking a single hotel stay of at least $500 through CitiTravel.com. It also offers various travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, lost or damaged luggage and car rental coverage.

Best for cash back

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

20.49% - 29.24% variable

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

Who's this for? If you prefer to earn cash-back rewards rather than saving up points and miles to use for future travels, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® might be a good card to go with, especially since there's no minimum amount required to redeem your points.

Standout benefits: Cardholders have access to travel benefits and protections such as auto rental collision damage waivers , trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel and emergency assistance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

Best for average credit

Credit one bank wander® card.

10X points on eligible hotels and rental cars book through the Credit One Bank travel partner; 5X points on eligible flights, dining and gas purchases; 1X points on all other purchases

No current offer

29.74% Variable

Average to excellent credit

See rates and fees. Terms apply.

• Great return on travel purchases
• Available to those with average credit
• No welcome bonus

Who's this for? If your credit isn't perfect, the Credit One Bank Wander® Card is likely one of your best options for travel spending. It earns 5X points on eligible travel, restaurants and gas purchases. In addition, you'll earn a stunning 10X points on eligible hotels and rental cars booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site (5X when you book and 5X when you complete the travel) and all other purchases earn 1X points.

Standout benefits: The card has no foreign transaction fees, so it's a good option for your next overseas trip. Cardholders also enjoy automatic account reviews for credit line increase opportunities.

Best for welcome offer

Discover it® miles.

Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.

Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you've earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There's no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.

0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases

17.24% to 28.24% Variable

3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Good / Excellent

*See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our Discover it® Miles review.

• Miles program
• Generous welcome bonus
• No blackout dates
• No limit to the amount of miles you can earn and miles never expire
• No Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit offerings
• Travel spending does not receive additional rewards
• No airport lounge access

Who's this for?  The  Discover it Miles  is an easy-to-use travel credit card with a unique welcome offer. Discover will match all the miles new cardmembers earn in their first year, meaning you're effectively earning 3X miles everywhere for a year. For example, if you earn 30,000 miles in your first 12 months of having the card, you'll get another 30,000 miles on top of that, and there's no limit to how many bonus miles you can earn with this offer.

Standout benefits: Cardholders receive an intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and eligible balance transfers , after that a variable 17.24% to 28.24% APR applies. Eligible balance transfers qualify for an intro transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer, after that the standard balance transfer fee is 5% of the the amount transferred. This card also has no foreign transaction fees.

Best for earning rewards with no annual fee

Wells fargo autograph℠ card.

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

$0 annual fee

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR

Up to 5%, min: $5 

• No annual fee
• Solid rewards on broad spending categories
• 0% intro APR offer
• Get up to $600 cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Valuable welcome offer
• Access to My Wells Fargo Deals to earn cash back in the form of an account credit when shopping, dining
• No balance transfer offer

Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has an exceptional number of 3X-point bonus categories, including restaurants, travel, gas, transit, phone plans and popular streaming services . All other purchases earn 1X points. When you include this card's intro bonus, that's a lot of points you could potentially earn.

Standout benefits: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card has a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases for new card members, after that a variable 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% APR applies. It also has no foreign transaction fees, cell phone coverage , roadside assistance, travel and emergency assistance and rental car damage and theft coverage (secondary).

Best for students

Bank of america® travel rewards for students credit card.

Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases

25,000 online bonus points after you spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening, which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward qualifying travel and dining purchases

0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account.

18.24% - 28.24% variable

3% of each transaction intro balance transfer fee for the first 60 days from account opening, then 4%

Who's this for? It's never too early to start getting involved with travel rewards programs and applying for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a great way to get started. It's very beginner-friendly thanks to a straightforward points-earning structure — you'll earn an unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar you spend.

Standout benefits: The card has no foreign transaction fees or annual fees. Additional benefits include a generous 0% intro APR for purchases for your first 15 billing cycles and for balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening (after, 18.24% - 28.24% variable), and complimentary monthly access to your updated FICO® Score via Bank of America's Mobile Banking app or Online Banking features.

More on our best travel credit cards for beginners

The American Express® Gold Card offers a stellar return for several popular spending categories, as well as statement credits that can almost entirely offset its annual fee (see rates and fees ). Plus, the Amex Membership Rewards points you earn with this card are incredibly valuable.

• 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 4X points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
• 3X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
• 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first six months of card membership.

$250 (see rates and fees )

Notable perks

The Amex Gold allows cardholders to receive up to $240 in annual credits for dining ($10 a month) and Uber Cash ($10 a month). Anyone who maximizes these perks can easily justify this card's annual fee (see rates and fees ).

This card has a variety of build-in insurance coverages*, including:

• Baggage insurance (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
• Extended warranty (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
• Purchase protection (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
• Trip delay insurance (Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.)
• Car rental loss and damage insurance (secondary) (Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)

* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Cardholders also receive access to special perks when booking stays through The Hotel Collection; Preferred Seating and exclusive access to shows, concerts and sporting events through American Express Experiences; and additional limited-time perks with SiriusXM, Panera Bread and the Entertainment® app. Terms apply.

How to redeem rewards

Membership Rewards® points can be redeemed through a variety of things , including gift cards, statement credits, travel and more, but you'll generally only get between 0.5 cents and 1 cent in value per point this way. To get around 2 cents per point or more, you can transfer your points to American Express' various airline and hotel loyalty program partners, such as Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Executive Club, Etihad Guest, Emirates Skywards, Avianca LifeMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Choice Privileges, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and more.

Learn more: Here's the best way to redeem Amex Membership Rewards points

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers valuable travel perks and protections for a reasonable annual fee. Beyond the generous welcome bonus, you'll be well on your way to free (or nearly free) travel in no time, as the card lets you earn elevated rewards in various useful bonus spend categories.

• 5X points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides through Mar. 31, 2025
• 5X points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 through March 31, 2025 (max of 25,000 total points)
• 3X points per dollar on dining
• 3X points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
• 3X points per dollar on select streaming services.
• 2X points per dollar on all other travel purchases
• 1X points per dollar on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Cardholders receive a 10% bonus every account anniversary year based on the points they've earned that year. To help offset the card's annual fee, there's an annual Chase Travel hotel credit of up to $50, which applies to hotels you book through the Chase travel site.

The Sapphire Preferred also stands out because of the exceptionally long list of insurance protections you'll get. These coverages include:

• Primary rental car insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Baggage delay insurance
• Trip delay insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel and emergency assistance
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Roadside dispatch

The biggest reason to have this card is its travel rewards. Points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when you redeem them through Chase Travel SM so you'll have at least $750 in travel rewards to start with after earning the 60,000-point welcome bonus. However, you can get more value when transferring your points to one of Chase's many hotel and airline partners, such as Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards , United Airlines MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy , IHG One Rewards and World of Hyatt. Rewards experts generally value Chase points at 2 cents each when transferred to travel partners

Learn more: Here are the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns versatile rewards with valuable redemption options and offers convenient benefits for travelers.

• 5X miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

$95 (see rates and fees )

Cardholders can earn an application fee credit of up to $100 to cover a  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership . This card also has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ) and extended warranty protection*, Travel Assistance Services*, Purchase Assurance*, MasterRental Insurance*, Master RoadAssist®*, and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage*

Redeeming the miles is as easy as it is to earn them. First, you can redeem them at a fixed value of one cent per point to offset recent travel purchases or cash them in toward flights, hotels, rental cars and other travel activities through Capital One Travel . Or, to stretch the value of your miles, you can transfer them to a variety of airline and hotel partners, such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Etihad Guest, Accor Live Limitless and more.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns transferrable miles, which is an amazing benefit to find attached to a no-annual-fee card.

• 1.25X miles on all other purchases

Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within three months from account opening

The VentureOne Rewards card has no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.

The miles you earn with this card can be transferred to Capital One's roster of airline and hotel partners, allowing you to potentially book expensive flights and hotel stays for fewer miles. Alternatively, you can use miles to offset recent travel purchases or toward booking flights, hotels, rental cars and other travel activities through Capital One Travel at a rate of one cent per mile.

Citi Strata Premier Card

The Citi Strata Premier ℠  Card is one of the best options for earning Citi ThankYou® points, which are incredibly valuable travel points.

• 10X points on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
• 3X points at restaurants
• 3X points at supermarkets
• 3X points at gas stations and EV charging stations
• 3X points on air travel
• 3X points at hotels
• 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 70,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.

In addition to this card's generous spending categories and large intro bonus, you'll receive $100 off one hotel stay of at least $500 you book through CitiTravel.com each year. The card also has no foreign transaction fees and travel protections such as trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, lost or damaged luggage and car rental coverage.

The points you earn with the Citi Strata Premier ℠  Card can be redeemed for travel, gift cards or cash-back rewards through Thankyou.com, online shopping via Amazon or PayPal and statement credits when shopping with eligible retail partners. Points are generally worth up to one cent per point on these types of redemptions, meaning 70,000 points would be worth $700.

However, you can also transfer your ThankYou® points to one of Citi's airline or hotel partners, such as Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, JetBlue TrueBlue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Choice Privileges and Wyndham Rewards. As with the other programs, you could easily double the value of your points by taking this route.

Learn more: What are Citi ThankYou points worth?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a no-annual-fee cash-back card with generous rewards on everyday spending.

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
• 3% back at drugstores
• 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 1.5% on all other purchases.

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy, on up to $20,000 spent in the first year.

Cardholders can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months from account opening on new purchases and balance transfers (after, 20.49% - 29.24% variable APR). There's an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, it's either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

The card also offers three  free months of DoorDash DashPass , which comes with reduced fees (activate by Dec. 31, 2024).

Rewards earned with this card can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. However, as you're starting in the world of points and miles, you should save your rewards until you have another Chase-Ultimate Rewards-earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card , since you'll be able to convert the cash back into transferrable Ultimate Rewards points®, which opens up a world of redemption opportunities with the issuer's 14 airline and hotel partners.

Learn more: How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points

If you're credit needs some work and you want to earn rewards while you rebuild it, you'll have a tough time finding a better option than the Credit One Bank Wander Card .

• 10X points on eligible hotels and rental cars you book through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• 5X points on eligible travel, dining and gas purchases

This card has no foreign transaction fees and offers travel accident insurance .

The points you earn are worth one cent each which means you'll get 5% to 10% back on lots of common travel purchases. You can redeem the points for cash back, gift cards and more.

The Discover it Miles packs a lot of value into a no-annual-fee travel card and offers a unique welcome bonus.

• 1.5X miles per dollar on every purchase

Discover will match the miles you earn during the first year with no limit on how much you can earn.

The Discover it Miles has no foreign transaction fees and new cardholders can take advantage of an introductory 0% APR offer for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, then a 17.24% to 28.24% variable APR (3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% balance transfer fee on future transfers, see terms ).

The miles you earn with the Discover it Miles function like cash-back rewards. You can redeem them for statement credits, bank deposits or use them to offset travel purchases. These miles are worth one cent each regardless of how you redeem them.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is loaded with valuable features and generous bonus spending categories, especially for a credit card with no annual fee.

• 3X points on travel
• 3X points at gas stations
• 3X points on popular streaming services
• 3X points on transit
• 3X points on phone plans

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.

Cardholders enjoy cell phone protection when they pay their monthly cell phone bill with the card. This coverage has a $25 deductible and covers up to $600 per claim, with a maximum of two claims per year.

The card has a handful of travel protections that could be useful such as rental car theft and damage coverage (secondary), roadside dispatch and travel and emergency assistance. Plus, the card has no foreign transaction fees making it useful when overseas.

You can redeem Wells Fargo points for travel, gift cards , statement credits and more at a value of one cent per point. However, with the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, you also have the option to transfer points to any of Wells Fargo's travel partners, including British Airways, Iberia, Air France/KLM and Choice Hotels.

Being able to transfer points is an amazing perk for a no-annual-fee travel credit card and can dramatically boost the value of the rewards you earn. For example, you could redeem 34,000 points for $340 in cash rewards or you could transfer 34,000 points to Iberia and book a one-way off-peak business class award from several U.S. cities to Spain, a flight that could cost several thousand dollars.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students stands out for its generous return on everyday purchases, which compares favorably to many standard non-student travel cards.

• 1.5X points on all purchases

Earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

New card members receive an intro 0% APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and eligible balance transfers, after that a variable 18.24% to 28.24% APR applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction made within 60 days of account opening. The standard balance transfer fee is 4% of the amount of each transaction.

The card also has no foreign transaction fees.

Although the rewards earned with this card can't be transferred to airlines or hotels, they can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including toward any flights, hotels, cruises, rental cars, vacation packages, baggage fees and dining (including takeout) you've used the card to pay for. Points have a fixed rate of one cent per point.

Things to consider before applying for a new card

Keep in mind that card issuers usually require you to have  good credit  or  excellent credit  (scores above 670). Therefore, it's key to  check your credit score  before applying for your first travel rewards card.

Also, credit card issuers will be looking closely at the number of cards you currently have or have recently applied for. Chase in particular is known for its strict 5/24 rule , which prevents anyone who has applied for five cards within the last 24 months from being approved for a new one with them, so be aware that you may be rejected for that reason.

Finally, it's a good idea to do the math and make sure you'll be able to use enough of your desired card's included benefits to rationalize paying its annual fee, especially if it's a steep one. As always, keep an eye on your budget to ensure you can hit any minimum-spending requirements responsibly and stay on top of your credit score to get a more realistic idea of where you'll stand in terms of approval.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

What makes a good starter travel credit card?

When you're just beginning to earn travel rewards having more options is always better. So try to focus on cards that allow basic redemptions such as statement credits and always provide a path to transferring rewards to different airlines or hotels.

Does opening a travel credit card hurt your credit score?

Whenever there is a hard pull on your credit report, you'll see a temporary dip in your credit score. However, over the long haul, it's possible to improve your credit score or maintain a high credit score after opening a credit card by paying your balance in full and on time consistently.

What's the easiest travel credit card to get?

The easiest type of travel credit card to get is generally going to be a secured credit card that requires an upfront deposit to open. However, this type of credit card typically has fewer benefits or weaker rewards.

Bottom line

With a little planning and thoughtful spending — especially if your chosen credit card earns extra rewards points for certain categories of expenses such as dining , travel , grocery shopping or gas purchases — you could be well on your way toward enjoying a well-deserved vacation with most or all of your flights, hotels or car rentals covered by flexible, transferable points and miles thanks to travel rewards credit cards.

Alternatively, if you're a stickler for status and prefer to only fly with certain airlines or stay at specific hotel chains, it might be worth adding an airline credit card or hotel credit card . Instead of providing transferable rewards points for you to redeem with several travel partners, this kind of card would let you rack up rewards through the brand's loyalty program, climb the status ladder and have access to special perks such as late check-out, early check-in, complimentary breakfast or room upgrades.

Just remember that rewards credit cards often require  good  or  excellent credit  (scores above 670), so  check your credit score  before applying for one of these cards.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best beginner travel rewards credit cards.

Our methodology

To determine which travel rewards cards offer the best value for beginners, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions that are widely available in the U.S.  

We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cashback).    We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.  

For the cards that offered a rewards program, we considered consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine where U.S. consumers are spending the most money, like on dining and travel. We used this to help determine what bonus categories are most useful for consumers. Since the value of a point or mile varies based on what they can be redeemed for, we also considered things like transferability and the ability to redeem for cash-back. 

When choosing the best travel cards, we focused on relevant features, like cards that charge no foreign transaction fees, are widely accepted internationally and provide consumers with bonus rewards on travel spending. We prioritized cards that offered the strongest returns on travel purchases, but also considered additional perks that may be useful when traveling, such as travel protections, baggage allowances, airport lounge access and elite status benefits. 

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards , banking and money , and follow us on TikTok , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.  

Information about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click  here .

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

• How to use the Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit Jason Stauffer
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Best travel credit cards for beginners

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Do you spend your free time flying to exotic destinations? Maybe you’re a frequent road-tripper, driving from hotel to hotel across the country. However you like to vacation, travel-focused credit cards can help you earn free flights, hotel stays and other perks that can make your travels less expensive.

Travel credit cards allow you to earn either rewards points or airline miles whenever you make a purchase. The most lucrative of these travel cards often require high credit scores — but what if you don’t have a long credit history? What if you’re a recent college graduate who’s rarely used credit cards or someone who’s made most of their purchases with cash? Don’t worry. While you typically need a FICO credit score of 700 or better to qualify for a travel card, several solid cards are within reach for consumers with limited credit histories.

Here are Bankrate’s recommendations for travel cards that offer solid rewards programs even to consumers who haven’t yet built up years-long credit histories.

Comparing the top starter travel credit cards

A closer look at the best travel credit cards for consumers without a long credit history.

If you’re hunting for a rewards credit card that earns miles or points, you have several options, even if you’re new to using credit cards. Here are four solid choices:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for earning travel rewards quickly

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the more valuable travel cards available thanks to its generous rewards program. You’ll earn 5X points on any travel purchases you make through the Chase Travel℠ online portal and 2X points on all other travel purchases.

You’ll also earn 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), 3X points on online grocery purchases (except for those at Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 3X points on select streaming services and 1X points on all other purchases. Additionally, through March 2025, you’ll earn 5X points on Lyft Rides.

The Sapphire Preferred comes with a generous welcome offer, too; you’ll earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account. That equals $937.50 toward travel when you redeem these points through Chase Travel ℠ . In general, you can redeem your points for flights, hotel stays, gift cards, statement credits and more.

The downside? This card does charge an annual fee (though at $95 a year, you can easily generate enough rewards points to cover it). Also, because the Sapphire Preferred does come with such a generous rewards program, you’ll need a higher credit score to qualify for this card. If you already have a solid score and travel and eat out a lot, this can be a lucrative rewards card for your wallet.

American Express® Green Card: Best for frequent traveling and dining out

With the American Express Green Card , you’ll earn 3X points on travel purchases (including airfare, hotels, ride-share services and tours), 3X points on transit purchases (including bus rides, ferries, subways and trains), 3X points at restaurants worldwide and 1X points on all other purchases.

For a welcome offer, the Amex Green Card gets you 60,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $3,000 on purchases during your first six months of account opening.

The Green Card isn’t the most exclusive of American Express credit cards , though you will need a solid credit score — a FICO score of 700 or better, for example — to qualify. Fortunately, even consumers with shorter credit histories should be able to generate a credit score of 700 or higher.

On the negative side of things, this card comes with a higher annual fee of $150. Again, though, if you spend enough on travel and dining out during the year, the points you earn will more than cover this fee.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards card  (Offer not available) is one of the more straightforward rewards cards available. You’ll earn 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. You can redeem your miles for flights and hotels and even transfer them to one of Capital One’s 19 transfer partners .

This card does not charge an annual fee — a nice perk for beginners on a budget — and you can earn a welcome offer of 20,000 bonus miles when you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

Lastly, the VentureOne card offers an introductory 0 percent APR on any purchases and balance transfers you make during the first 15 months (followed by a variable APR of 19.99 percent to 29.99 percent) — meaning you have a full year to pay off any purchases before incurring interest charges.

Citi Premier® Card : Best for varied spending

With the Citi Premier Card ( No longer available ), you can earn ThankYou points on a wide variety of purchases. You’ll earn 3X points on gas station, air travel and hotel purchases (making this a lucrative card if you travel often) as well as 3X points on restaurant and supermarket purchases. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi TravelSM portal (through June 30, 2024). All other purchases earn 1X points. You can redeem your points for everything from travel to cash back to gift cards and more.

Additionally, the Citi Premier card offers a generous welcome bonus of 60,000 ThankYou points when you spend $4,000 in purchases during the first three months of account opening. Keep in mind this card does charge an annual fee of $95.

Is a travel card right for you?

Before you apply for a travel rewards card, consider the following to determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Is the annual fee worth it?

The challenge with travel cards is that the most lucrative ones usually charge annual fees that can range from $95 to $150 or more a year. You’ll have to determine whether you travel enough or spend enough to make paying this fee worthwhile.

Say your card charges an annual fee of $95 and you can earn 3X rewards points for every dollar you spend on travel purchases and dining out. If every 100 rewards points equal $1.25 in redemption value, earning 10,000 rewards points in a year would equal $125 — more than covering your annual fee. To earn those 10,000 rewards points, you’d need to spend about $3,334 in dining and travel purchases during the year.

Of course, the more you spend on those purchases, the more you’d earn. If you spend $6,000 on dining out and travel using the same card outlined above, you’d earn 18,000 rewards points from those purchases. That would come out to a redemption value of $225. And that doesn’t cover any additional points you’d earn from other purchases. Some travel rewards cards offer lower rewards points for every dollar you spend on non-travel purchases, and those dollars can add up to solid rewards points, too.

Overall, you’ll need to determine if you spend enough each year on travel or other points-generating categories to easily cover your annual fee and generate enough points to earn miles or hotel stays.

Qualifying for a travel rewards card

If you have no credit history or you’re concerned about your current FICO score, you might consider applying for a secured credit card before searching for a travel rewards card. This type of card works like a traditional credit card, but the credit limit is based on the amount of your initial security deposit.

Qualifying for secured credit cards is easier versus a traditional credit card, even without a credit history. Once you make on-time payments over several months, you build your history and possibly increase your score, which means eventually you can apply for a traditional travel rewards card . Eventually, you can apply for a traditional credit card, including those with travel rewards .

How to choose a starter travel credit card

There are several factors to consider when you are ready to pick a travel credit card. Here are some of the most important.

Points vs. miles

Some travel cards earn free miles while others generate points that you can turn into free miles or use for other rewards, such as free hotel stays, gift cards or cash back. Looking at how you travel will help determine which type of card is best for you:

• If you are a frequent flyer, a card that earns miles might be the best choice.
• If you often travel by car, take cruises or enjoy cross-country train trips, you might do better with the flexibility offered by a card that earns points.
• If you want the ability to spend your rewards on anything you’d like, a card that generates points rather than airline miles is probably the better choice.

General travel or airline-specific card

Several airlines offer their own co-branded credit cards . These cards earn miles, but only for a specific airline (though some will let you transfer miles to partner airlines). If you always travel on one specific airline, an airline credit card is a smart choice. But if you prefer to hunt for the lowest airfare and aren’t committed to flying one specific brand, it may make more sense to look for a general travel card. These cards allow you to turn your rewards into miles that you can use with a variety of airlines.

Extra perks

When choosing a travel rewards card, it’s important to look not only at the miles or points it generates, but also at the perks it provides. Some cards give you a credit for TSA PreCheck , so you won’t have to pay any fee to skip the long security lines at airports. Others offer free access to airport lounges around the globe or let you check bags at no cost. And if you plan on working during your flight? Some rewards cards will pay for any WiFi connection fees while you’re flying. These perks can provide a lot of value if you are a frequent traveler.

The bottom line

Traveling is expensive, but a travel rewards credit card can help you reduce or, if you spend enough, eliminate expenses, from the cost of your flight to your hotel stay. The key is finding the rewards card that earns you the most, depending on your spending habits. Fortunately, there are plenty of choices available, even for applicants who don’t have the longest credit history.

Related Articles

Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit

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Best travel credit cards with no annual fee for 2023

The pros and cons of 0% APR credit cards

The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Travel Rewards Credit Card

R.J. Weiss, CFP®

• Updated April 23, 2024

Trying to find the perfect travel rewards credit card can seem overwhelming. So in this post, we’ll cover the five questions you need to ask before applying for a card, and then give specific recommendations for the best travel credit cards for beginners.

Here’s a rundown of our top choices:

• Best overall : Chase Sapphire Preferred
• Runner-up : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Honorable mention : Bilt Rewards Credit Card
• Best no annual fee card : Capital One VentureOne
• Best hotel card : World of Hyatt Credit Card
• Best for freelancers and small business owners : Chase Ink Business Credit Card

To stay updated on the latest information regarding sign-up bonuses, APRs and credit score requirements, we’ve partnered with CardRatings. Check out their list of best travel credit cards , which includes the cards mentioned above, to find the perfect card for your needs.

Table of Contents

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying

To make sure you’re applying for the right card, here are five questions to ask yourself. 

#1. Will you keep this card long-term?

Practicing responsible travel hacking shouldn’t harm your credit score. However, frequently opening credit cards to earn the sign-up bonus and then canceling them soon after can damage your credit score, making it more difficult to get approved for future cards.

Closing a credit card account can decrease the average age of your accounts, which negatively impacts your score. If you continue this practice, it may eventually make you ineligible for new credit cards due to a poor credit history. 

Therefore, choose a credit card you plan to keep for the long term. This is why I generally recommend that beginners avoid high annual fee cards, even though they often have some of the biggest bonuses and/or best travel perks.

#2. What is the recommended credit score for this card?

Before applying for a credit card, check to see if the credit issuer lists a recommended credit score. While they often won’t give you an exact score, they may say something along the lines of, “For Excellent Credit.” A Google search along the lines of “recommended credit score for Chase Sapphire Preferred” can also help here. 

A general rule of thumb is that you should have at least a 690 credit score before applying for a premium credit card. 

#3. Is the minimum spending requirement to earn the bonus within your budget?

Most credit cards with a sign-up bonus require minimum spending within a certain time frame to earn the bonus. When evaluating a new credit card, ensure the minimum spend requirement is achievable based on your usual spending habits.

Being a financially savvy travel hacker means using the card for regular expenses that you would normally make, like groceries or gas, and paying off the balance in full each month. This way, you can earn the bonus without overspending or taking on debt. If you carry a balance on your card, the interest will cost you far more over time than any rewards or bonuses you earn.

#4. What are you going to do with the points?

Having a plan for your rewards is important, as the sign-up bonus is typically the biggest opportunity to earn points (especially if you don’t spend a significant amount of money every month). 

If you’re unsure where to start, our credit card recommendations below include information about specific programs and the best uses of the rewards. You can also explore our guides on booking free airfare with points and booking hotel stays with points to set your travel goal. 

With a plan in place, you can ensure you get the most out of your rewards for flights, hotels and other travel expenses.

Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners

If you’re a beginner looking for a travel credit card, it’s important to choose one that offers long-term benefits, a quality sign-up bonus, and reasonable minimum spending requirements. 

We’ve curated a list of the best travel credit cards that meet these criteria to help you make an informed decision. These cards are also flexible in how you can use the rewards, making them worthwhile even if you don’t have a specific travel destination in mind.

We have partnered with CardRatings, a reliable and comprehensive source for credit card information. You can see all these cards and more on their top travel credit cards page . When we provide direct links to credit cards, these are personal referral links, as I often possess the card myself.

#1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is our top choice for beginners because it offers:

• A reasonable annual fee of $95, making it a great value.
• A consistently great sign-up bonus worth hundreds of dollars in travel rewards.

In addition to these benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers flexibility in using rewards. 

You can redeem your points at a rate of 1.25 cents per point within the Chase Travel Portal. For instance, you can exchange 70,000 points for $875 worth of travel through the portal. The portal offers comparable, if not identical, rates to popular booking sites like Expedia and Kayak for airfare, hotels, and car rentals.

Chase also offers the option to transfer your points to various airline and hotel partners, including popular brands such as United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Hyatt Hotels. 

However, you need a premium Chase card — such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve — to access these transfer partners. If you only have the Chase Freedom, you won’t be able to transfer your points and you’ll have to use them within the Chase Travel Portal.

Chase has a strict policy called the 5/24 rule, which means that if you’ve opened five or more credit card accounts in the past 24 months, you won’t be approved for a new Chase card. This rule doesn’t apply to all credit card issuers, which is why it’s a good idea to start with Chase if you plan on applying for more cards soon.

If you’re a higher earner, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve card . Although the annual fee is higher than the Sapphire Preferred, the card comes with a $300 annual travel credit to help offset the fee. You’ll also get additional benefits like airport lounge access and a higher redemption rate in the Chase Travel Portal.

To view the current Chase Sapphire Preferred welcome bonus and minimum spending requirements, plus to compare it with other leading travel rewards cards, we encourage you to visit CardRatings . 

#2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great runner-up option to consider.

With this card, you can earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar spent on every purchase, making it easy to accumulate rewards quickly. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers a consistently high signup bonus, which can be worth hundreds of dollars in travel credits.

One unique feature of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is that it allows you to use points to erase purchases that are categorized as travel on your credit card without having to use a travel portal. 

This gives you greater flexibility in redeeming your rewards, making it a great option for beginners. For example, you can use your rewards to offset the cost of Airbnb stays or cheap cash fares.

Although there are some 2% cash-back cards on the market, they typically do not provide as high of a sign-up bonus or additional travel perks, such as Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits and no foreign transaction fees. Most importantly, these cash-back cards lack the flexibility to transfer points to airline and hotel partners, which is a key advantage of a travel card. 

Transfer partners include:

• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• Avianca LifeMiles
• British Airways Executive Club
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• Emirates Skywards
• Etihad Guest
• Qantas Frequent Flyer
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Wyndham Rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee of $95. However, the card offers a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, saving you time and hassle at the airport.

For higher earners and frequent travelers who want even more perks and benefits, the Capital One Venture X is a premium upgrade worth considering for benefits such as lounge access and annual travel credits

To view the current Capital One Venture Rewards welcome bonus and minimum spending requirements, plus compare it with other leading travel rewards cards, visit CardRatings . 

#3. Capital One VentureOne

For those looking for a no-annual-fee travel rewards credit card, the Capital One VentureOne card is a great option to consider. With this card, you can earn unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar spent on every purchase.

One of the most attractive features of the Capital One VentureOne card is that it allows you to transfer your rewards to airline or hotel partners. 

Unlike other travel credit cards (such as Chase and American Express) that require a premium credit card with an annual fee to access travel partners, the Capital One VentureOne card provides access to transfer partners without an annual fee.

While the rewards and benefits of the Capital One VentureOne card may not be as extensive as other travel credit cards, it’s still a great option for those looking for a low-commitment way to earn travel rewards. With the ability to transfer rewards to travel partners or erase purchases, you still have plenty of flexibility in using your rewards.

To view the current Capital One VentureOne welcome bonus and minimum spend requirements, plus compare it with other leading travel rewards cards, visit CardRatings .

#4. Bilt Rewards Credit Card

The Bilt Rewards credit card is a solid choice for renters.

Cardholders earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments, with no fees. For example, paying $3,000 monthly rent will earn 18,000 points annually.

The card then pays 2X on travel and 3X on dining throughout the month. However, on the first day of each month, known as “Rent Day,” the Bilt card offers double points on all purchases:

• 2 points per dollar on non-bonus category spending.
• 4 points per dollar on travel.
• 6 points per dollar on dining.

While this benefits a smaller subset of people, earning 2X rewards on Rent Day is particularly valuable for high spenders who can pay big expenses on the 1st of every month. 

I fall into this category, as I like to pay my self-employment taxes with a credit card. (You can learn more about this strategy in my post “ Why I Love The Bilt Rewards Card, Even Though I Don’t Pay Rent .”)

Part of the reason I’m willing to jump through hoops to earn Bilt rewards is because of their valuable list of transfer partners. 

Bilt points can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs, including World of Hyatt, United Mileage Plus, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles. This flexibility allows for high-value redemptions, such as luxury hotel stays and international business-class flights.

One big downside to the card is that there is no welcome offer. So this isn’t a card to get if you’re looking for a free trip in the near future. Rather, it’s one that can help you build up your point balances over time. 

Visit Bilt to learn more . 

#5. World of Hyatt Credit Card

Hyatt is known for having some of the most valuable hotel points, making the World of Hyatt Credit Card a great choice for those who want to maximize their rewards.

You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt for valuable hotel redemptions (points cannot be transferred from Hyatt). If you combine the rewards from the Chase Sapphire Preferred and World of Hyatt Credit Cards sign-up bonuses, you could potentially earn enough points for a free week-long stay at one of Hyatt’s high-end resorts. 

While the World of Hyatt Credit Card is great for earning valuable hotel points and free stays, it may not be the best choice for everyday spending. With the card, you’ll only earn 1 point per dollar spent on most purchases.

The card does offer bonus points in select categories, however. You can earn 2 bonus points per dollar spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships.

In addition to earning points on every purchase, the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a free night each year at a Category 1-4 hotel, which can easily offset the card’s annual fee of $95. 

#6. Chase Business Ink Preferred Card

The Chase Ink Business Preferred card is a strong option for business owners looking to earn valuable and flexible travel rewards. One of the most notable features of this card is the typically high sign-up bonus, which can significantly boost your rewards balance.

Unlike the other Ink cards, the Ink Business Preferred is the only one that comes with transfer partners on its own. This makes it a great choice for those who want to transfer their rewards to airlines or hotels for maximum value. 

The other Ink business cards can only transfer to transfer partners if you have another premium Chase credit card, such as the Sapphire Preferred.

The Chase Trifecta is a strategy that optimizes the use of different Chase credit cards to earn more points and increase their redemption value.

One great benefit of Chase is combining points from your personal and business accounts. This means that if you have multiple Chase credit cards, you can pool all your rewards into one account for easier redemption. 

Additionally, you can also combine points with another person in your household. This can be a great way to maximize your rewards and make the most of your travel.

For example, if you and your spouse have business and personal cards from Chase, you can combine all your rewards into one account, such as your Chase Sapphire Reserve, which has a higher redemption rate. This can help you earn more valuable rewards and enjoy luxurious travel experiences.

The Chase Ink Business Preferred also offers 3X points per $1 spent on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in several categories, including shipping purchases; advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines; internet, cable and phone services; and travel. This can provide significant earning potential for businesses that spend heavily in these categories.

If you spend heavily on paid advertising, like Google and Facebook Ads, see our picks for the best travel rewards credit cards for paid ads .

FAQ: Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Travel Rewards Credit Card

Travel rewards credit cards are credit cards that offer rewards or points for purchases, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels and rental cars. These rewards can help you save money on travel or even earn free trips. 

The most important factors are the annual fee, signup bonus, rewards program, transfer partners, minimum spending requirements and credit score requirements. You should also consider your travel goals to determine which card will provide the most value for your needs.

The best travel rewards credit card for beginners depends on individual needs and preferences. However, our preferred choice is the Chase Sapphire Preferred due to its high signup bonus and the ability to earn flexible rewards.

The 5/24 rule is a policy implemented by Chase that restricts applicants from being approved for certain credit cards if they have opened five or more credit card accounts in the past 24 months. This rule applies to several of Chase’s travel rewards credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

A signup bonus, otherwise known as a welcome offer, is a promotional offer provided by credit card issuers to new cardholders who meet certain spending requirements within a specified timeframe. Signup bonuses can provide significant rewards points or miles that can be used toward travel expenses.

Some credit card issuers allow you to combine rewards points from multiple credit cards. For example, Chase allows you to pool personal and business credit card points into one account for easier redemption. Capital One also does, but you have to call to transfer from person to person. American Express doesn’t. 

Yes, most travel rewards credit cards require a good to excellent credit score for approval. The specific credit score range varies by the card issuer, but a score of 690 or above is generally recommended.

What’s Next After Choosing a Travel Rewards Credit Card?

Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming a travel hacker! The travel credit cards we’ve discussed are excellent options for earning valuable rewards and enjoying luxurious travel experiences.

But what’s next?

The next post in our in-depth guide to travel hacking will show you how to use your travel credit card rewards to find free airfare . You’ll learn how to find and book flights using your points and miles and get the most value for your rewards.

By combining your travel credit card rewards with these tips, you can take your travel hacking to the next level and enjoy even more incredible adventures.

Travel More, Spend Less

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The Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

May 16, 2024

How we Choose

Whether you’re an occasional traveler looking to save on your next vacation or a frequent traveler looking for premium travel perks, there’s a travel rewards card for you. We’ll break down our top picks for the best travel rewards credit cards.

Best travel credit cards of May 2024

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best welcome bonus
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best first travel card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate rewards
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card : Best for occasional travelers
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for intro APR
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for point value
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for hotels
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for pairing with Chase cards
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for luxury travel
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for foodies
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for annual credits
• Discover it® Miles : Best for no annual fee
• Credit One Bank Wander® Card : Best for fair credit
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for gas and transit
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Best for budget flyers
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card : Best for travel credits
• United Quest℠ Card : Best for United MileagePlus members

Additional Options:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Best hotel credit card
• American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp®: Best no-annual-fee airline card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Rewards rate

At a glance, overall rating, why we like this card.

This card has one of the highest sign-up bonuses you’ll find with a mid-level travel card. Plus, it offers generous rewards for your travel and dining purchases and additional benefits like a 25% boost in points value when you redeem your rewards through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

• You'll find more benefits with this card than with other mid-level travel cards, including an anniversary boost and a hotel credit.
• Instead of the typical 1-cent–per-point value you might find on rival travel cards, you can enjoy 25% more value when you book travel through Chase Travel℠.
• Bonus categories are limited to travel and dining, so you have little flexibility in how you earn rewards.
• The card lacks attractive travel perks like airport lounge access or security precheck credits.

Bottom Line

If you are hoping to fast-track your way to your next trip, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers ample opportunities to earn rewards, along with a generous sign-up bonus.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Rates & Fees

Capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

This card is ideal as a first travel card because you don’t have to strategize to offset an annual fee every year, but can still enjoy terrific travel benefits. You can redeem for various travel purchases like hotels, rental cars and flights either through Capital One’s travel portal or other travel websites. Plus, you can transfer your rewards to partner loyalty programs — adding more flexibility in your travel.

• No need to offset the cost of an annual fee
• Low minimum spend for sign-up bonus
• Lower rewards rate and less perks than cards with an annual fee
• Reduced value of your miles when you use the rewards for non-travel redemption options, such as statement credits or gift cards

This card offers a straightforward earning structure and an attainable sign-up bonus, allowing cardholders to rack up miles while not worrying about an annual fee.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a great flat rate of 2X miles for all purchases and gives you ultimate flexibility for redemption, including for travel purchases booked outside of the Capital One portal non-travel rewards, such as gift cards (though you may get a lower value). You can also enjoy additional benefits, like an up to $100 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, that can help offset the $95 annual fee.

• Simple earning structure and flexible redemption options
• Generous sign-up bonus
• Lack of large domestic travel transfer partners
• Low redemption value unless using select airlines

The Capital One Venture Card is a top-notch travel card that offers simplicity and valuable perks without the pricey annual fees associated with many premium cards in this category or skimping on rewards.

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Thanks to its high rewards rate in a terrific mix of everyday spending categories — not just travel — this card makes it easy to earn points even if you don’t spend a ton on travel. It’s hard to find a card that offers such a high rewards rate in all three of groceries, dining and gas, so this card makes a great centerpiece for a travel rewards strategy.

• Even if you only spend modestly on travel, this card’s annual fee should be easy to offset thanks to its everyday rewards and valuable annual hotel benefit.
• You can pair this card with one or both of Citi’s no-annual-fee rewards cards and enjoy a terrific rewards rate on everything from travel and groceries to gas, dining and more based on your spending habits.
• The annual hotel benefit, though valuable, isn’t the most flexible perk. If you spend less than $500 each year on a single hotel booking, you’ll miss out on the benefit entirely.
• Competing travel cards offer higher rewards rates on general travel, higher point redemption values and more flexible, airfare-centric perks that may be a better fit for frequent flyers.

If you want to earn travel rewards but don’t actually spend much on travel, this may be the most lucrative standalone rewards card you can get.

• Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great choice for infrequent travelers who want ultimate flexibility when it comes to earning and redeeming rewards. Cardholders can redeem points for statement credit to pay toward travel expenses, like flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars or baggage fees. Additionally, you can redeem for dining purchases.

You can also take advantage of its sign-up bonus — 25,000 online bonus points if you spend $1,000 in your first 90 days, redeemable for a $250 statement toward travel and dining made on your credit card within the last 12 months, including on third-party sites like Expedia or Travelocity.

• Ultraflexible redemption policy that can cover some purchases outside travel
• Can redeem rewards as a statement credit months after the initial travel or dining purchase
• Rewards rate for travel purchases not as lucrative as others in this category
• Not the most valuable sign-up offer

Despite the fact that cardholders won’t be able to weigh spending toward a particular category to maximize their points, this card is a great fit for occasional travelers who still want to earn rewards but without having to pay an annual fee.

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

For those looking for a premium credit card with generous travel perks and a top-tier sign-up bonus, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is considered to be one of the best options on the market. And with no blackout dates, expiration dates for points or point limits, the card offers major redemption flexibility.

The sign-up bonus is worth a whopping 75,000 points or $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠ after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, so you are getting more than a cent per mile value. With the $300 annual credit for travel purchases, generous earning structure and impressive list of additional perks, seasoned travelers have plenty of opportunity to offset the steep $550 annual fee.

• Wealth of travel perks and rewards categories
• Increase your point value by 50% by redeeming them for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Required spend of $300 on travel annually before travel category rewards rates apply
• Lower rewards value for merchandise

While the price of admission for Chase’s premium travel card is steep, the bonuses and wealth of luxury travel perks will be worth it in the long run for experienced travelers.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Though it boasts a terrific rewards rate on hotel bookings and airfare, it’s flexible enough to offer great value even for occasional travelers. You can redeem points for both cash back and travel, earn bonus rewards on restaurants and score an especially easy-to-earn annual credit.

• You can offset over half the card’s cost just by taking advantage of the $50 annual statement credit you’ll get with a $50 minimum airline purchase. That’s easy to earn even if you only fly once per year.
• Wells Fargo now offers a decent list of airline and hotel partners, making the card easily the issuer’s most appealing option for occasional or semi-frequent travelers.
• You’ll miss out on some of the more popular travel and airline credit card perks, like TSA PreCheck credits, free checked bags and priority boarding, which may be more valuable to frequent travelers than an annual statement credit.
• While you can stack and pool points with the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, it only offers one lucrative category not already covered by the Autograph Journey: gas stations.

This is a solid mid-tier card for semi-frequent travelers looking for flexible redemption and a balance of everyday and travel-centric rewards.

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Its flat rate and bonus categories, especially for the first 12 months, make it a great companion for premium Chase cards. If you want to rack up as many Chase Ultimate Rewards points as possible and then use them toward your next trip, then this card can help you get there. Plus, its welcome offer can help boost rewards.

• Its bonus earnings for the first 12 months boost your rewards and this card’s upfront value.
• You can pool this card’s rewards with certain Chase travel cards to get more redemption and transfer flexibility.
• Other cards have better travel benefits or welcome offers if you want as many rewards and perks as possible.
• You won’t get the full potential of this card without pairing it with a premium Chase card, which comes with annual fees.

This card’s true potential lies in pairing it with certain Chase travel cards. Make sure you use it to pool your Ultimate Rewards points for more value when redeeming for travel.

• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool .

This popular premium card from American Express comes fully-loaded with travel benefits, including luxury lounge access, Hilton Honors gold status (enrollment required), no foreign transaction fees and an impressive list of travel benefits that will help offset the $695 annual fee.

This card currently touts a generous welcome offer: You can earn 80,000 points if you spend $8,000 in your first six months of card membership, which we estimate to be worth around $800 when you book through AmexTravel (where points are worth around 1 cent each).

• Extensive list of travel credits and premium perks
• Ability to transfer points to a host of airline partners, including Delta Airlines
• Limited amount of bonus categories
• Expensive annual fee

For frequent travelers or those looking to make their dream vacation a reality, the Amex Platinum checks every box and provides generous travel credits to offset its high annual fee.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

American Express® Gold Card

The Amex Gold card offers an industry-leading 4X points at restaurants (including U.S. takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) as well as 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com.

It also features dining benefits, such as an up to $120 in yearly statement credits on select restaurants, including Grubhub and The Cheesecake Factory, and up to $120 in Uber cash annually. In addition to the foodie-friendly rewards rate, this card offers a valuable introductory offer and travel perks like baggage and car rental insurance when you book with your Gold card.

• If you spend a lot on food and dining, its industry-leading rewards rate on restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases is hard to beat.
• Like the Amex Green card, you can transfer points to multiple air travel partners, including Delta Airlines, and hotel partners, like Hilton Honors.
• Its annual fee is pricier than what’s on some travel credit cards.
• You must redeem travel rewards through amextravel.com.

The Amex Gold is one of the best cards on the market with its generous rewards rate and lucrative introductory offer. If food and travel account for a large portion of your spending, this card’s value more than covers the $250 annual fee.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Venture X is an instant top contender in the premium card market with its fully-loaded annual benefits that can be worth over $400. Yearly perks like bonus miles on your account anniversary (equal to $100 in travel) and a $300 travel credit when you book travel through Capital One Travel, can help cover the annual fee. Compared with other high-end travel rewards credit cards, the $395 annual fee is modest, and many travelers will come out well ahead.

• You can enjoy a fairly simple rewards structure with unlimited 2X miles in all purchase categories, in addition to bonus rewards in Capital One travel categories.
• The card offers statement credit for Global Entry and TSA Precheck, which adds to your overall savings.
• The sign-up bonus is generous, but it requires a high spend.
• While not unusual, you'll need excellent credit to be eligible for this premium card.

Travel rewards cards packed with this many features typically come with sky-high annual fees, but the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card delivers with luxury benefits and a more down-to-earth annual fee.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Discover it® Miles

For a no-annual-fee card, Discover offers simplicity. You’ll be able to earn unlimited miles and have flexible redemption options like statement credits towards travel purchases or as cash deposits into your bank account. Plus, cardholders have a unique opportunity at the end of their first year when Discover will match every mile you earn.

• Appealing welcome offer that can essentially double all the miles earned at the end of the first year
• Competitive redemption value for cash back at 1 cent per mile
• Rewards earning potential takes a significant hit after your first year
• Can’t transfer miles to airline frequent-flyer programs

The Discover it® Miles card offers an impressive list of high-end travel perks and a generous first-year welcome offer for travel credit card newbies, but earning benefits drop off substantially after the first 12 months.

• Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Credit One Bank Wander® Card

This is one of the only travel cards accessible to people with fair credit. It also offers a high rewards rate on a great mix of travel spending, including gas, airfare, hotels, resorts and bookings made through travel agencies. This will be especially appealing if you prefer booking directly with airlines and hotels to maximize loyalty rewards and elite status.

• People with fair-to-excellent credit can earn high rewards on eligible travel and everyday purchases like dining and gas.
• Frequent travelers can earn generous rewards even while working toward elite status with airline and hotel loyalty programs.
• It offers fewer perks compared to other mid-level travel cards with a similar annual fee and high variable APR.
• Points aren’t transferable and remain fixed at a value of 1 cent each when redeemed for cash back, which could prove limiting for frequent travelers who know how to maximize points for greater value.

This could be a top pick for travelers who struggle to qualify for cards with more travel perks and transfer partners.

• Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• Earn 1x points on all other purchases
• Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
• With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
• If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
• See Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

It offers one of the best rewards rates you can get on everyday travel – including airfare, hotels, gas stations and transit – without paying an annual fee. And since it also rewards dining (another key everyday spending category), it makes for a terrific standalone rewards card.

• It has no annual fee and a high rewards rate for everyday spending categories.
• It earns bonus rewards in common spending categories like gas stations and restaurants as well as in harder-to-find categories like phone plans, making it an especially versatile option.
• Though the card earns bonus rewards in a great mix of everyday categories, it offers a lackluster rate on grocery purchases, which could limit its standalone value.
• Unlike some competing no-annual-fee travel cards, the Autograph doesn’t let you transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs, limiting the potential value of your rewards.

This card could be a great fit for occasional travelers who want to earn rewards on everyday spending and have the flexibility to redeem for cash back.

• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus credit card is ideally suited for entry-level travelers. Even if you only fly occasionally with Southwest airlines, you can easily boost rewards and receive a generous welcome offer. The perks for this card rival those found in higher-tier cards, such as getting the first two checked bags for free and two EarlyBird Check-In® each year.

• Can almost cover the annual fee with 3,000-point anniversary bonus
• Valuable perks on a domestic airline with a reputation for being customer-friendly
• Does not include certain perks often found with travel cards, such as priority boarding or a fast track to elite status
• Lacks airline partners and international travel options

For those already integrated into the Southwest ecosystem, this card offers generous bonus opportunities and access to unique, customer-friendly perks for a reasonable annual fee.

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

This card from Bank of America offers great value for a $95 annual fee card, especially if you already bank with them. If you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you’ll be rewarded with an additional 25 percent to 75 percent redemption bonus on all your earnings.

In addition, this card offers some of the strongest travel insurance benefits you can get, up to a $100 annual statement credit that you can use for airline incidental expenses, an application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and a points program that rewards spending in a variety of categories.

• The $100 annual statement credit you can use towards airline expenses and the application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry more than offset the $95 annual fee.
• Preferred Rewards members receive some of the highest rewards rates among any travel or cash back credit cards.
• If you’re not a Preferred Rewards member, the benefits of the card are not as robust compared to other cards with similar annual fees.
• The $100 airline incidental credit only covers qualifying incidentals and not actual flight costs.

The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card combines the benefits of a cash back card and premium travel card and is an especially good value for those with existing Bank of America accounts.

• Low $95 annual fee.
• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.

United Quest℠ Card

If you like to regularly travel on United Airlines (or their partner airlines) then this card is worth a look. Not only do you earn enhanced bonus miles for United purchases, other travel and select everyday purchases, you also get an impressive amount of airline-specific perks. This includes anniversary credits and free first and second checked bags for you and one companion.

• Impressive sign-up bonus and anniversary credits
• Easy to earn miles with popular bonus categories like dining and select streaming purchases
• High annual fee for infrequent United flyers
• No airport lounge access

The United Quest Card is a terrific option for semi-frequent United travelers, but cardholders should plan to redeem United miles at least twice a year to take full advantage and offset the annual fee.

• Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP after qualifying purchases
• Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel, dining and select streaming services
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and priority boarding
• Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
• Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)

The information about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card, the American Express® Green Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Comparing the best travel credit cards of 2024

Editor’s picks: best travel credit card details, best welcome bonus: chase sapphire preferred® card.

• Best features : This card packs in plenty of value that is rare for only $95 a year. It comes with a high sign-up bonus, generous rewards program and competitive redemption values.
• Biggest drawbacks : You may need to look beyond the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you prefer luxury features like TSA PreCheck, priority boarding, travel credits and lounge access.
• Alternatives: The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card  has a similar annual fee and a generous welcome offer too. Travelers who want to book travel outside of credit card portals and who spend a lot on gas and in-store grocery purchases may get better value out of the Strata Premier card.
• Bottom line : A modest annual fee, impressive sign-up bonus and ultra-flexible rewards redemption give this card great short- and long-term value for travelers who don’t need a ton of luxury perks.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best first travel card: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : The VentureOne card is a basic travel card for beginners who want to earn flexible rewards but aren’t ready to commit to an annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ). VentureOne cardholders can earn bonus miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25X miles on every other purchase. You can transfer these miles to numerous airline and hotel partners.
• Biggest drawbacks : Other no-annual-fee travel cards offer better perks and higher rewards rates than the VentureOne’s 1.25X miles.
• Alternatives : The Bilt Mastercard® is a unique no-annual-fee card that earns points on rent payments without the processing fees. But the card is also a great beginner travel card, offering bonus rewards on travel and dining (points are transferable too). Plus, if you wait until the first of the month, your patience will be rewarded with double points on all non-rent purchases for 24 hours (on up to 10,000 bonus points). That’s a whopping 6X points on dining, 4X points on travel and 2X points on all other non-rent purchases. You must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.
• Bottom line : Budget-friendly travelers can get a decent amount of value out of this starter travel card, but if transferring rewards to travel partners isn’t a priority for you, a flat-rate cash back card may be more lucrative.

Read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for flat-rate rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : For a reasonable annual fee, this popular Capital One credit card offers standout rewards with an easy rewards structure and versatile redemption options. You can transfer miles to over 15 loyalty programs or redeem for statement credit toward travel.
• Biggest drawbacks : Capital One doesn’t have many domestic travel transfer partners. This can make it harder to maximize the value of your miles when booking domestic flights.
• Alternatives : If you’re looking to earn at a flat-rate but aren’t too pleased with the Venture card’s $95 annual fee ( See Rates and Fees ), the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a suitable alternative. Although cardholders only earn 1.25X miles on all purchases, the card still comes with a sign-up bonus of 20,000 miles for spending $500 in the first three months. This is a smaller bonus and a lower rewards rate than the Venture card, but it’ll also be easier to obtain, making this an ideal option for modest spenders.
• Bottom line : This card is a great option if you’re looking for an easy way to earn high travel rewards on all purchases. But if you’re after top-drawer travel perks, you may want to look elsewhere.

Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for occasional travelers: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

• Best features: Along with its practical everyday bonus categories, this card stands out with its annual hotel benefit, which can offer enough value to offset the annual fee on its own.
• Biggest drawbacks: Citi points don’t offer an especially high travel redemption value and the annual hotel benefit, while generous, carries a high spending requirement.
• Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card may be a better option for frequent travelers thanks to its high rewards rate on general travel booked via Chase Travel, its more flexible annual hotel credit and its high base point redemption value (1.25 cents per point via Chase Travel).
• Bottom line: This is one of the best travel cards out there if you’re more focused on everyday rewards than luxury perks.

Read our full   Citi Strata Premier℠ Card review  or or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for intro APR: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• Best features : This card will appeal to infrequent travelers who don’t typically book through travel portals. Instead, you can redeem your points for any travel and dining purchases made on your credit card within the last 12 months. And if you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn up to 25% to 75% more points on every purchase.
• Biggest drawbacks : The best rewards are reserved for Bank of America customers with savings or investment accounts. If that’s not you, you can likely find another card that rewards your travel purchases at a higher rate.
• Alternatives : The Capital One VentureOne also does not charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fee ( See Rates and Fees ), but even casual travelers can benefit from its valuable purchase and travel protections.
• Bottom line : The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a solid choice for occasional travelers focused on earning some rewards and avoiding an annual fee.

Related : Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards card worth it?

Read our Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for point value: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best features : This top-of-the-line card comes with a wealth of travel perks, including a sign-up bonus worth $1,125 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠ (75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months). In addition to the $300 travel credit, you can try out services like Instacart+ and DashPass for free for one year.
• Biggest drawbacks : Despite the annual credit and elevated bonus categories, the card’s $550 annual fee might be challenging to offset every year.
• Alternatives : If you’re looking for a card with annual credits and luxury lounge access, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a wider network but carries a slightly higher annual fee of $695.
• Bottom line : Frequent travelers who can take full advantage of the Sapphire Reserve card’s perks and bonus categories can also enjoy the card’s boosted value on travel redemptions.

Related : Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Ch ase Sapphire Reserve

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for pairing with Chase cards: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

• Best features: Its 1.5% rate on general purchases makes it a great catch-all card as part of your overall travel rewards strategy. You can use this card with certain Chase cards to get more Chase Ultimate Rewards points, one of the most valuable credit card points.
• Biggest drawbacks: It has a 3% foreign transaction fee, so if you were planning to use this card abroad on your travels, it can be more costly.
• Alternative(s): The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of Chase’s premium travel cards, with solid earning rates on dining and travel. For a modest $95 annual fee, it comes with top-of-the-line travel benefits, increases points redemption value through the Chase travel portal and can transfer points to Chase travel partners.
• Bottom line: If you already have a Chase travel card — or are planning to get one in the future — this card is a must-have for maximizing travel rewards.

Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited® review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for luxury travel: The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Best features : This premium card comes fully-loaded. You can enjoy luxury lounge access, elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy hotels (upon enrollment) and even travel consultants to help plan your trip. A laundry list of travel credits can also help offset the card’s annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : The card only earns bonus rewards on flights and prepaid hotels. You might earn more with cards that offer bonus points or miles on both travel and everyday essentials. Plus, some of the credits – like the card’s luxury fitness credit or Walmart+ credit – don’t have broad appeal, making it harder to offset the high $695 annual fee.
• Alternatives : Unlike the Platinum card, the American Express® Gold Card lets you earn high bonus rewards for purchases made in categories beyond travel, including restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases. It also comes with a lot of the same benefits as the Platinum card, such as car rental insurance, purchase protection and Hotel Collection benefits, all for a much smaller $250 annual fee.
• Bottom line : If you can take advantage of its many perks, this card should tick all the right boxes for big spenders and frequent travelers looking for luxury travel perks, particularly complimentary airport lounge access.

Read our American Express Platinum Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for foodies: American Express® Gold Card

• Best features : Traveling foodies, rejoice – this card offers an industry-leading 4X points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. You’ll also earn 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then one point per dollar) and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com. Trips with common carriers that are booked with your Gold card are covered for baggage insurance worth up to $1,250 for carry-on bags and $500 for checked bags.
• Biggest drawbacks : The annual fee is $250, pricier than other travel rewards cards with mid-level travel perks. And unless food is a significant portion of your spending, the card’s rewards rate and food delivery credits may not be the best fit.
• Alternatives : The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card  comes close to matching the Amex Gold with its rewards rates, but its annual fee is much lower (just $95).
• Bottom line : If you’re a frequent traveler who makes dining out a staple of their vacations and staycations, you’ll get a lot of value with this card.

Read our American Express Gold Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for annual credits: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : Cardholders can take advantage of this card’s yearly credits to help offset its annual fee and enjoy additional perks like lounge access. And when you book through Capital One Travel, you’ll earn some of the highest rewards available for hotels, rental cars and flights.
• Biggest drawbacks : You’ll have to book your travel through Capital One Travel instead of directly through an airline or hotel to get the best value out of this card.
• Alternatives: The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best travel cards for lounge access and other luxury perks. Frequent travelers who can take advantage of all those perks can easily offset the card’s high annual fee.
• Bottom line : The Venture X should appeal to both frequent travelers who want to earn more than just 1 mile per dollar on all non-travel purchases and luxury travelers who want to enjoy premium travel without paying the typical sky-high annual fees.

Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for no annual fee: Discover it® Miles

• Best features : The Discover it® Miles offers simplicity and flexibility without the annual fee. All purchases earn a fairly average 1.5X miles. But Discover sweetens the deal by matching all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Instead of travel, you can also redeem rewards online with Amazon or when you pay with PayPal (though redemption value might be lower).
• Alternatives : The  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card  is another solid no-annual-fee travel card ( See Rates and Fees ). It not only offers a flat rate of 1.25X miles on every purchase, but also 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. That could make it easier for frequent travelers to earn rewards. It also has a number of travel and consumer protections that you won’t find with most entry-level travel cards, including the Discover it ®  Miles.
• Bottom line : This card skips the annual fee and the generous first-year welcome offer is ideal for budget-friendly travelers or someone looking for their first travel credit card.

Read our  Discover it ®  Miles review  or jump back to this  card’s offer details .

Best for fair credit: Credit One Bank Wander® Card

• Best features : Even people with fair credit can take advantage of the card’s bonus rewards in a variety of travel categories. Many travel cards only earn generous bonus rewards for airline or hotel purchases or for travel booked through the issuer’s travel portal. But the Wander card is more flexible, giving you more freedom to book travel the way you like.
• Biggest drawbacks : There are no transfer partners, so your points are worth a maximum of 1 cent each. Plus, the card has fewer perks compared to other mid-level cards with a similar annual fee.
• Alternatives : Your options are limited if you’re looking for another travel card open to people with fair credit. But many Capital One cards like the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® or the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card could help you rack up a lot of rewards that you can use to help cover the cost of travel. You can also take advantage of convenient and cost-saving features found in the Capital One Travel Portal.
• Bottom line : This card is a solid pick for credit-builders who also want to earn travel rewards.

Read our Credit One Bank Wander® Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for gas and transit: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

• Best features: This card’s mix of bonus categories should be a terrific fit if you’re looking for a low-cost way to earn rewards on both everyday travel and big trips. You’ll earn rewards at a great rate on everything from gas and transit to airfare and hotels, without worrying about maximizing point values or offsetting an annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks: Its list of perks is just okay, even for a no-annual-fee travel card. You’ll miss out not only on benefits like expedited security screening and lounge access, but also the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
• Alternatives: Though it may earn rewards at a lower rate, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card could be a great alternative. Its streamlined, flat-rate rewards program is a great fit if you’re new to earning miles, and the card gives you the flexibility to transfer miles to Capital One airline and hotel partners, which could boost their redemption value.
• Bottom line: The Autograph card is a great option if you want to earn rewards on everyday travel and need the flexibility to redeem for both travel and cash back.

Read our Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for budget flyers: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Best features : This entry-level airline card has some of the same popular features as more expensive Southwest consumer travel cards, including a chance to earn the Southwest Companion Pass® – one of the most coveted perks in all of travel rewards. If you earn 135,000 points in a year, you can pick a companion to fly with you for free (except for taxes and fees) for up to two years on any Southwest flight that you purchase with cash or points.
• Biggest drawbacks : Unlike some other airline cards, this no-frills card doesn’t earn bonus points in popular everyday categories like gas or grocery stores. Plus, the card’s anniversary bonus of 3,000 points is lower than the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card’s bonus.
• Alternatives : The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card may be a better fit for budget travelers. It comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year (then $150) and a chance to earn bonus miles faster thanks to practical bonus categories including restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. It also has a number of convenient features like priority boarding and a chance to earn a $200 Delta flight credit. Plus, Delta and its partner network are much more extensive than Southwest.
• Bottom line : The Rapid Rewards Plus card is a decent choice for occasional Southwest flyers looking for a cheap rewards travel card. But if you fly Southwest frequently and want to double your anniversary points while avoiding foreign transaction fees, consider upgrading to the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card and its higher annual fee of $99.

Read our Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for travel credits: Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

• Best features : Along with perks like an annual credit up to $100 for airline incidentals, which includes seat upgrades and airline lounge fees, this card offers a credit of up to $100 to cover the cost of a TSA Precheck or Global Entry application. That perk isn’t always included on travel cards at the $95-annual-fee level. You can also redeem for cash back as a deposit into Bank of America® checking or savings accounts or for gift cards and purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Biggest drawbacks : Unlike many travel rewards cards with an annual fee, this card doesn’t let you transfer rewards to partner airline or hotel loyalty programs to squeeze more value out of your points. Plus, the card’s best rewards rates are reserved for people with large savings or investment accounts with Bank of America.
• Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has greater flexibility for travelers who want to transfer their points to airline or hotel travel partners. It also comes with better redemption value if you book travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal and travel protections.
• Bottom line : This card could be a good fit for heavy packers who can take advantage of the airline incidental fee credits or people who already have a Bank of America account. Those who are loyal to one airline or don’t bank with Bank of America may not find much value in this card.

Read our Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for United MileagePlus members: United Quest℠ Card

• Best features : Even semi-frequent United flyers can come out ahead with this mid-tier airline credit card, thanks to all the ways the card’s perks can offset its $250 annual fee. That includes multiple anniversary credits, priority boarding, checked baggage fee waivers and the up to $100 credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fee.
• Biggest drawbacks : Unlike other airline cards with a high annual fee, the United Quest doesn’t offer complimentary lounge access. Plus, the sign-up bonus has a high spend requirement: You’ll need to spend $4,000 in the first three months to earn the sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles plus   500 Premier Qualifying Points.
• Alternatives : If the annual fee doesn’t fit your budget, the United℠ Explorer Card is worth a look since it has a $0 intro annual fee (then $95 annually), but still carries a generous sign-up bonus, priority boarding, purchase and travel protections and an up to $100 credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fee.
• Bottom line : The United Quest Card packs in a lot of perks and value, making it a solid pick for loyal United travelers looking for an enhanced travel experience.

Read our United Quest℠ Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best hotel credit card: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

• Best features : This card offers great long-term value for frequent travelers who stay at the world’s largest hotel chain a few nights or more per year. You get plenty of chances to offset the $95 annual fee, including a free night every year after your account anniversary (up to 35,000 points) and a high rewards rate in the popular, practical bonus categories of travel, grocery, gas and dining purchases, as well as a flat rate of 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : You can only use your rewards with Marriott hotels. So if you don’t frequent the brand, you’ll be better served by a different hotel credit card or a general-purpose travel rewards card, which offers greater flexibility in how you redeem your rewards.
• Alternatives : If you’re not loyal to one hotel chain, the Chase Sapphire Preferred should give you more redemption options. It earns bonus points on travel, dining and select online grocery purchases – points that can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including for travel, or transferred to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners. And when you redeem for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal, your points have 25% more value.
• Bottom line : Travelers who stay at Marriott frequently enough to offset the $95 annual fee will appreciate this card. But depending on your spending habits and the hotel features that matter most to you, you may get greater value with another Marriott card .

Read our Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card review .

Best no annual fee airline card: American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card

• Best features : This no-annual-fee airline card gives households a chance to earn miles on more than just travel. You’ll earn 2X miles not only on eligible American Airlines purchases, but also at grocery stores, which increases the card’s earning potential for the average consumer. The MileUp card also has a low spend threshold for its sign-up bonus: Spend just $500 in your first three months and you’ll earn 10,000 miles and a $50 statement credit.
• Biggest drawbacks : This card lacks a number of cost-saving perks found with other airline cards, including a free first checked bag for you and additional passengers and a chance to earn travel credits for your spending. Depending on how often you fly and how many people you travel with, you could actually save more money with a travel card that charges an annual fee.
• Alternatives : The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has a similar rewards rate and charges no annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter. That gives you time to test out perks you won’t find with the MileUp card, like priority boarding, a first checked bag free for you and eight additional passengers and a chance to earn a $200 flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
• Bottom line : This card is worth a look if you’re loyal to American Airlines but only fly occasionally and are looking for a no-annual-fee credit card . But if you want the flexibility to fly with different carriers while still earning high rewards, you may get better value out of a general-purpose travel rewards card.

Read our American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp review .

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel rewards credit cards let you earn points or miles you can redeem for travel purchases. Some offer a flat rate on general purchases, but many offer bonus rewards for typical travel purchases or everyday spending categories, like restaurants, gas or even groceries.

Earning points or miles is usually as easy as swiping your card, and some cards provide limited-time offers and sign-up bonuses to add more incentives. The basics of points and miles cards are pretty much the same. You earn and accumulate rewards by making purchases with your card, and redeem for a discount on your next trip.

Your redemption options will vary by card. Most require that you redeem points or miles for travel purchases. (Some let you redeem for gift cards or cash back, but it might be at a lower value.) You can typically redeem points or miles by booking future trips through a designated portal, like Amextravel.com or Chase Ultimate Rewards, or transferring rewards to an issuer’s travel partners to book flights or hotel stays. Some allow you to redeem for a statement credit on travel purchases made within a certain time frame.

Your redemption options will vary by card. Typical options include:

• Booking new travel
• Transferring points or miles to a travel partner
• Statement credit for past travel purchases

Redeeming for travel often yields the best value, while non-travel options like gift cards might have a lower redemption value. You can typically redeem points or miles by booking future trips through a designated portal, like Amextravel.com or Chase Ultimate Rewards, though some let you redeem directly with the airline or third-party travel agency.

General travel credit cards + –

General travel or general-purpose credit cards aren’t tied to or co-branded with a particular airline or hotel. They are best for any traveler who values flexibility in how they earn and redeem rewards.

Depending on the card, you can earn higher points not only on travel-related purchases, but also in popular categories like groceries, gas and dining. You can redeem the points you earn in many different ways, like statement credits and travel. A 1-cent-per-point value is typical, but points may be worth less when used for non-travel options or more if transferred to the right travel partner.

Transferring your points over to an airline or hotel loyalty program can help you strategize so you can get the most out of your points. However, average point values vary from program to program, so you’ll need to test out different routes and carriers to see how far your points can take you before you transfer points between loyalty programs.

Some of the most popular rewards programs for general travel credit cards include:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Capital One Travel
• Citi ThankYou Points

Is a general travel credit card worth it?

Co-branded cards usually feature high-value airline or hotel perks. Examples like automatic hotel elite status, companion passes or free checked bags could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

But general travel cards give you more flexibility to choose how you travel and where you stay. Plus, plenty of general travel cards come loaded with valuable benefits not tied to specific airlines and hotels — especially if you’re willing to pay an annual fee.

Most general travel cards carry higher rewards rates compared to airline cards with similar annual fees, which gives you a chance to earn more rewards faster. And you’ll have a number of redemption options that make each of your points worth at least 1 cent, which is worth more than the rewards you’ll earn with most hotel rewards programs and some airline rewards programs.

Here’s a look at some of the top features your general travel card may offer:

• Annual travel credits : Premium cards like the Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Reserve reward cardmembers with annual travel credits worth hundreds of dollars, which you can use to offset previous travel costs or book new travel through the card’s travel portal.
• Airport lounge access : A number of mid-level and premium travel cards offer discounted or complimentary airport lounge access for you and your guests. Users can enjoy amenities like complimentary food and drinks, showers or even spa treatments. Popular airport lounge networks include Priority Pass lounges and the exclusive American Express Global Lounge Collection.
• Luxury hotel benefits : Your card issuer may offer Visa or Mastercard’s luxury hotel collection benefit. This perk can lead to room upgrades, free breakfast, food or beverage credits and late check-out. This is typically offered with credit cards with Visa Signature or Infinite benefits or cards with Mastercard World or World Elite benefits, though you’ll have to check with your card issuer to be certain.
• Car rental elite status : With the right general travel rewards card, you can not only rent a car but also get discounts and status upgrades that let you skip the lines when renting and returning, as well as vehicle upgrades based on availability and other exclusive perks.

Airline travel credit cards + –

Airline credit cards are co-branded cards that carry the name of the card issuer and a particular airline. They’re a great fit for travelers who regularly fly with a particular airline and can take advantage of the perks found within its rewards program.

Some of the most popular airline rewards programs include:

• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
• American Airlines Aadvantage
• Southwest Rapid Rewards
• Delta SkyMiles
• United MileagePlus

Like general travel cards, airline rewards cards can earn rewards on a variety of purchases, but your redemption options are more limited. To get the best value, you’ll typically want to redeem your rewards for flights with the airline or one of its partners.

Is an airline credit card worth it?

They offer less flexibility and might have an annual fee, but airline cards can make your travel experience easier and save you a lot of money, even after you factor in the cost of an annual fee.

Here’s a look at some of the top airline credit card benefits:

• Free checked bags :   Avoid paying a fee for your first checked bag and a travel companion’s bag. Many airlines charge $30 to $35 per checked bag, per trip, so the savings can add up, especially if you’re traveling with a large family.
• Fast track to elite airline status : Frequent flyers looking for an enhanced flying experience will have to spend thousands of dollars and spend a lot of time in the air to unlock the top-of-the-line perks that come with elite status. But the right airline credit card can cut down on the eligibility requirements and may even come with automatic elite status or welcome offers and additional credits that get you elite status faster.
• Travel companion pass : Earning an airline companion pass takes some work, but if you qualify you can bring a passenger along on a future flight for free (though you’ll still have to pay taxes and fees). Some airlines even offer companion passes that let you bring a guest with you on any flight you book for a year or more.
• Priority boarding : This perk helps you quickly board a plane and get your carry-on stowed away in an overhead bin before it fills up.
• In-flight discounts : This perk helps you save on drinks, snacks and other extras purchased on your flight. You’ll typically enjoy a discount of 20% to 25% off.

How to choose an airline

It’s best to select a card co-branded with an airline that you will use frequently, which typically means choosing an airline that flies out of an airport close to where you live, or one that you use the most. Smaller hubs may have limited options, but you should check to make sure that the airline you want has routes at your preferred airport. For example, Southwest does not fly out of Newark Airport, so if Newark is your primary airport another co-branded airline card might be a better fit.

Hotel travel credit cards + –

Hotel credit cards are co-branded cards that earn points you can redeem for stays with a specific hotel chain. Some of the most popular hotel rewards programs include:

• Marriott Bonvoy
• Hilton Honors
• IHG One Rewards Club
• World of Hyatt

Is a hotel credit card worth it?

Like airline credit cards, hotel credit cards can pack in a lot of brand-specific perks to reward your loyalty. Some cards offer supersized rewards rates, typically for hotel-related purchases. These earning rates can make it easier to quickly rack up points for future visits.

On top of the high-earning potential, hotel travel cards may also come with some of the following benefits:

• Free night : Many hotel cards automatically reward you with a free night at select properties every year on your anniversary. Others give you a chance to earn a free night after you spend a certain amount on the card.
• Room upgrades : Your card could automatically qualify you for room upgrades when available, giving you more space or better views.
• Elite hotel status : Some of the best hotel cards come with automatic elite status, making you eligible for exclusive perks, while others put you on a fast track to achieve higher levels of elite status.

How to choose a hotel

While you should pick an airline card based on frequency and availability, choosing a hotel card might come down to personal preference. You’ll find most hotel chains concentrated in mid-to large-size cities, so you can select a hotel group that works best for your needs. Hotel chains often include a price range from luxury to budget friendly. For example, Marriott includes both Fairfield Inn & Suites and the Ritz-Carlton in its suite of hotels. So, whether you splurge on one trip or save costs on another, you can still earn rewards.

However, if you happen to travel a lot to very remote cities, you might want to ensure that your preferred hotel chain has a location there.

Business travel credit cards + –

Business travel cards are a terrific option if you own a company or work as a freelancer and travel often for work. They can be co-branded or a general travel card.

Some of the more popular business cards include:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express review
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Is a business travel card worth it?

Business travel cards offer a competitive rewards structure similar to other travel cards, but you can typically earn bonus rewards in business categories, like purchasing software and office supplies. Not only can business travel cards help keep your work and personal expenses separate, but they can also help you cut down on business costs.

You might see these benefits on a business travel card:

• Bonus rewards on large purchases : Some cards will offer an elevated rewards rate for big purchases, so you can earn miles or points for big-ticket items.
• No fee for employee cards : You can rack up even more points or miles when you add employees as authorized users at no additional cost. This action can also be a great way to track company spending.
• Account management tools: To help manage your company budget, business travel cards might come with apps or programs that could ease record keeping, like the ability to upload receipts quickly or link to a spreadsheet.
• Travel and hotel perks : Like other travel cards, you can often enjoy annual benefits, like a hotel reward night, lounge access or statement credits.

Co-branded travel cards versus general travel cards

The biggest difference between co-branded cards and general travel cards is flexibility. Co-branded cards are ideal for brand loyalists who prefer to commit to one particular airline or hotel group. They often come with perks that you might not find on general travel cards (like elite status or free checked bags), but how you earn and redeem rewards is limited to that specific brand.

For instance, you might feel locked in to book a pricier room with a co-branded hotel card even if there are more affordable options.

With general travel cards, you have more freedom to select flights or hotels that fit into your schedule and price range, but you might lose out on some perks. If you prefer flexibility, a general travel card might work better for you. If you enjoy more elite perks or are a fan of a particular brand, you might consider a co-branded card.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

• Travel for less: Money-saving benefits, such as high travel reward rates, sign-up bonuses and travel credits, can help bring down the overall cost of travel.
• Generous perks: The best travel cards feature perks like room or seat upgrades, free hotel stays, statement credits and lounge access that might enhance your overall travel experience.
• Fast track to elite status: Elite status, which offers maximum program benefits for airlines or hotels, often takes time to earn. Some travel rewards cards help cut down on the qualification period, or they offer automatic elite status, which means you can start earning elite status benefits sooner.
• Earn points as a loyalty member along with rewards : If you are a loyalty member, then you can earn loyalty points with that hotel or airline brand as well as travel reward points when you book with a travel credit card.
• No foreign transaction fees : Most travel cards don’t charge a foreign transaction fee, which can help cut down costs when traveling abroad.
• Complex rewards programs: Keeping up with the travel rewards card program rules can be confusing, especially when redeeming or transferring points to a travel partner. It takes careful planning and calculation to ensure you are maximizing the value for your rewards.
• Limited redemption outside of travel: Travel cards typically provide the best value when redeeming for travel. While some cards offer redemptions for non-travel options, such as statement credits or gift cards, these are typically worth less.
• High annual fees: Determining whether an annual fee is worth it can be difficult, and many of the best travel credit cards have yearly costs starting from $95 to $100. Premier travel cards could have annual fees in the $200 to $700 range.
• Higher interest rates : Typically, travel cards carry a higher ongoing APR, so if you carry a balance every month, then a low-interest credit card or balance transfer card might be a better fit.
• Typically best only for frequent flyers : Since most travel cards offer the most elevated bonus rates for travel, such as flights, hotels and car rentals, you won’t reap its maximum benefits unless you fly often.

Who should get a travel credit card

• Frequent flyers . If you spend lots of time up in the air or staying at hotels, you can absolutely benefit from the rewards and perks that come with a travel credit card. But if you’re new to travel or only travel occasionally, look for no-annual-fee cards or ones with simple rewards categories. All globetrotters can appreciate the lack of foreign transaction fees many travel cards offer.
• Brand loyalists . Fans of particular airlines and hotel chains can reap some serious rewards with their go-to brands. Loyal customers can rack up an incredible amount of hotel points or flight miles using a card like the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
• Luxury travelers . Vacationers looking for top-shelf travel perks may have to pay to carry their card, but The Platinum Card from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer benefits that can easily offset their annual fees. You’ll find high-end earnings rates on your purchases to back it up. Take advantage of exclusive add-ons, like access to airport lounges, free checked bags, specialty offers and more.
• Road trippers . Some travel cards earn rewards on purchases at gas stations and hotel stays, which can be valuable if you’re on the road a lot. A hotel credit card like one in the Hilton Honors program or Marriott Bonvoy may be a great choice if you regularly take cross-country trips and stay at hotels.

Who should skip a travel credit card

• Fans of low-maintenance credit cards. While flat-rate travel cards are available, travel cards with fixed bonus categories or a tiered rewards structure often have the best rewards rates. The card that’s most fitting for you will depend on your spending habits. If you aren’t ready or willing to strategize to get the most out of your travel card, a more straightforward rewards credit card may be a better fit.
• Someone looking for flexibility . Cash back credit cards are usually more versatile and might work best for infrequent travelers or people with higher non-travel-related expenses. They can help you maximize your earnings on everyday categories like supermarkets, gas, transit, streaming services or online purchases. Mostly, redeeming can be far less complicated and far more flexible. Depending on the credit card, redemption options may include statement credit, direct deposit, check and travel.
• Someone prone to overspending . The best travel rewards credit cards can help you save a lot of money but only if you avoid a balance. Since rewards cards typically come with higher interest rates, paying your balances in full can save you money and create the best value. If you can’t, you run the risk of losing more money to interest charges than you earn in rewards. You may even fall into credit card debt. If you aren’t able to pay your balances in full, consider a low-interest credit card .

Do you know how much your points or miles are worth?

Choosing a card based solely on the number of miles or points you stand to earn can be a costly mistake. Redemption values can vary, and points and miles do not always transfer on a 1-to-1 basis, meaning 1,000 “miles” earned do not always translate to 1,000 miles of travel.

For example, the Citi Strata Premier card has a sign-up bonus of 70,000 points after spending $4,000 in your first three months of account opening. With the Strata Premier card, most redemption options have a baseline value of 1 cent, so this offer can be worth at least $700. But based on Bankrate’s latest point valuations , we estimate that the right high-value transfer partner could boost your point value up to 1.9 cents on average. That could make your sign-up bonus worth an incredible $1,330.

Compare that to a card like the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, which offers a sign-up bonus of 140,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first three months. Since IHG Rewards are estimated to be worth 0.7 cents on average based on our points valuation, that comes out to a value of $980 dollars.

Understanding the true value of your rewards program can help you to maximize value and select the card that offers the best rewards for your spending habits.

How to calculate the value of your points and miles

To find the value of your points and miles, divide the cost of paying cash for the booking (such as the plane ticket or hotel room) by the number of points or miles required. Then compare this number to Bankrate’s points and miles valuation for the airline, hotel or credit card rewards program.

For example, if a flight on Southwest Airlines costs $800 out of pocket or 50,000 miles, the value is 1.6 cents per mile ($800 divided by 50,000 miles equals $0.016 or 1.6 cents). Since this is slightly higher than our estimated value of 1.5 cents per mile, you’re getting a good deal if you book this flight.

But if you redeem for a gift card instead and find a $25 card costs 10,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards miles, your value drops to 0.25 cents per mile ($25 divided by 10,000 miles equals $0.0025 or 0.25 cents). Since this is far below the 1.5-cent-per-point value you should look for, you’re better off using cash for this gift card and saving your points for a better deal.

How to compare travel credit cards

Deciding which travel credit card is best for you can be difficult. Many cards have similar redemption options, earn rewards in the same categories or cost more than you’re willing to pay for an annual fee. The right card for you will provide value with both perks and rewards rates that match your needs and align with purchases you already make.

To find the right one, you may find it helpful to compare several cards at once so you can see which one offers the best value for your personal finances and travel habits.

• Are you an occasional or frequent traveler? Frequent travelers typically have an easier time taking advantage of the numerous perks found with a travel card. If you travel less frequently, then a cash back card may make more financial sense.
• Are you loyal to a certain airline or hotel? If you’re a fan of a particular airline or hotel chain, you can enjoy specific benefits with that company’s co-branded travel card, like companion pass or annual hotel credits. A general-purpose card, however, gives you flexibility to choose any travel partner when traveling.
• What travel perks and protections matter most to you? Higher rewards status with hotels or airlines, access to airport lounges or automatic elite status are a few examples of travel perks a card might offer. You can also have more peace of mind with any travel protections that a travel card might provide, like trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost baggage insurance and 24/7 global assistance. Make sure to look for a card that has the features that matter most to you.
• Do you have to change your spending habits to earn and redeem rewards?  Rather than tailoring your spending to match a card’s bonus categories, you might choose a card that already rewards your typical spending habits. Also, watch out for restrictions like spending limits, which can hinder your ability to earn maximum rewards. And when redeeming, make sure your card provides the best value. Some travel cards don’t provide the best value when redeeming for non-travel-related options, such as gift cards or statement credits.
• Does the card have sign-up bonuses and annual fees?  A card’s welcome offer can boost your first year earnings. Look for the spend requirement to ensure you can meet it without overspending. Additionally, a card’s annual fee can be a significant factor. Cards with high annual fees often offer some of the best rewards and perks, but if you can’t offset the fee every year it might not be worth it.
• How does the card’s international acceptance and foreign fees measure up?  For people who frequently travel internationally, this detail can be a game changer. A card without a foreign transaction fee can help budget your trip. But you also want to make certain that the card has broad international coverage. Some cards, like Discover, while working on their international network, might be riskier to carry abroad.

How to make the most out of your travel credit card

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or extended trip, your rewards from a travel credit card can either enhance your experience or save you money. If you have your eye on Walt Disney World or a small family gathering, you can use these strategies now to experience an elevated trip in the future.

• Score a welcome offer . To make the most of your purchases and capitalize on travel rewards, seek out a welcome offer with an affordable spend requirement. Some of the top sign-up offers could be large enough to help you score free travel.
• Take advantage of the card’s bonus rewards categories . Find a travel rewards card that offers bonus points for purchases you already make to supercharge your earnings. For example, if your weekly work plans include lunch outside of the office, you could earn 3 points for every $1 spent at restaurants as a Citi Strata Premier cardholder, maximizing your earnings potential.
• Consider a travel card that earns transferable points . Transferable points are points earned with one travel card that can be redeemed with another participating program. Based on Bankrate’s latest point valuations, the right high-value transfer partner could be the best way to maximize your rewards earnings.
• Don’t forget your credit card benefits . Your travel credit card could have hidden credit card perks that make travel more enjoyable and save you money, such as complimentary breakfast at hotels or free checked bags. In just one trip, a family of four could easily offset a card’s annual fee through baggage fees alone. Other benefits, such as lost baggage coverage, not only reimburse you for clothing, toiletries or medication you had to purchase because of delayed or lost luggage, but provide additional peace of mind while traveling.
• Consider a credit card combination . Pair your travel card with another credit card that earns high rewards in areas you spend the most to maximize value. You may even be able to combine cards within the same rewards program. Chase, American Express, Capital One and Citi all offer some of the best credit card combinations that can help you rack up transferable rewards.
• Skip the foreign transaction fees . Make sure to take along a card that skips this common overseas charge, typically 3% charge anytime you use the card internationally. You can avoid this by choosing a travel credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, such as the Capital One and Discover credit cards.

Alternatives to Travel Credit Cards

If you don’t want to commit to a travel card, but still want to earn travel rewards, then you have options.

• A cash back credit card lets you earn cash rewards, which you can often redeem for a statement credit to cover travel and other purchases.
• A card with a 0% intro APR might work better for people planning a large purchase. It can help you budget for a trip, as long as you can pay off the balance before the intro offer period ends.
• A no-annual-fee card that also carries no foreign transaction fees might suit infrequent travelers. With this type of card, you can still save on trips abroad without worrying about added fees or offsetting costs every year.

In the news: What is credit card travel insurance?

Travel insurance, or trip insurance, is a policy providing reimbursement or resources if something goes wrong during your trip. The coverage of the trip insurance varies depending on if it’s provided through a credit card or purchased as a separate policy.

Credit cards may provide a form of trip insurance when you use your card to pay for trip-related expenses. Credit card travel insurance can cover everything from trip cancellation and trip interruption, to lost luggage and car rental loss and damage insurance.

In some cases, the coverage provided by the credit card may be enough to cover your needs for a travel-related event. But confirm the benefits before you travel and make sure it offers the right coverage, for example, if you are traveling internationally or need a “cancel for any reason” policy.

How we picked the best travel cards

Research methodology : We analyzed 300 travel rewards credit cards to identify the best offers currently on the market. The major factors we considered include:

• Rewards rate : Does the card offer a competitive rewards rate for the travel category? For general purpose travel cards, this rate is generally between 1.25X to 2X rewards. For co-branded hotel or airline credit cards, we looked for a rate between 3X and 10X points on brand purchases, plus a competitive rate in other bonus categories.
• Welcome offer : Annual fee travel credit cards, in particular, may offer a welcome bonus valued between $500 to $900. We considered the value of the sign-up bonus, alongside the required spend to receive it.
• Additional travel perks : We considered whether the card offers additional travel benefits beyond base rewards. For instance, for airline credit cards, we considered whether they offered priority boarding, a free checked bag or lounge access. For hotel credit cards, we considered whether they offered upgrade opportunities for Wi-Fi and free hotel stays with a card anniversary. For premium travel credit cards, we considered whether the card touted travel credits, travel insurance and other benefits that justified the high annual fee.
• Rates and fees : Travel credit cards do tend to carry annual fees and higher APRs than low-interest credit cards. However, we considered how a card’s APRs compared to the current credit card industry average and whether any fees could be avoided or recouped by its travel rewards and benefits.

All criteria used : Rewards rates, rewards categories, sign-up bonus, point values, transfer partners, redemption options, redemption flexibility, annual fee, other rates and fees, travel credits, airport lounge access, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, concierge service, other travel benefits, travel portal functionality, credit needed, customer service, events or other perks

More information on travel credit cards

For more information on all things travel cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• Cash back vs. points
• Trip cancelation reimbursement by credit card
• No foreign transaction fee credit cards

Frequently asked questions about travel credit cards

What is the difference between points and miles on a credit card + –.

When you’re shopping for a travel credit card, you’ll likely have two rewards currencies to choose from: points and miles.

Credit card points are the more flexible of the two options, usually allowing you to redeem your rewards for flights or hotel stays with a number of brands. Some cards allow you to redeem points for cash back, gift cards or merchandise, but often at a lower value than a travel redemption.

Credit card miles usually refer to frequent-flyer miles with a particular airline, such as Delta or United. If you have a miles-earning card, this usually means you can only redeem your miles for flights with one particular airline, though there are exceptions. These types of cards are also called co-branded cards and often come with additional perks like free checked bags.

What credit score do you need for a travel credit card? + –

Travel credit cards often feature higher rewards rates and numerous benefits, which typically means the odds of approval are higher for someone with a good or excellent credit score — usually around a 670 FICO score or higher.

But someone with bad or fair credit still has options. Although the credit card may not be labeled specifically as a travel rewards card, cards like the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card don’t require great credit and offer rewards in travel categories like hotels and rental cars.

Do travel points and miles expire? + –

Typically, rewards won’t expire for the life of the account. However, each card is different so it’s always best to read your card’s terms and conditions. For instance, some cards do have rewards that expire after a period of inactivity. In some cases, you could forfeit your rewards by missing a payment or canceling a card . Every card comes with its own set of rules, so always read the fine print.

How many miles do you need for a free flight? + –

The miles you’ll need for a free flight depend on the type of card you have, its rewards and redemption structure and whether it offers bonus value on travel redemptions.

For example, If you book through Amex, your points are worth 1 cent apiece on travel redemptions. That means if a flight costs $500, you’ll need 50,000 points to book. However, with Chase Ultimate Rewards, points are valued at 1.25 cents, so a $500 trip would need only 25,000 points.

What purchases are part of the travel category for travel credit cards? + –

How purchases are categorized depends on both the merchant and the issuer and may vary from card to card. Typically, bookings for airlines, hotel stays and rental cars will fall under travel. However, some cards, such as the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, broaden the category to include other types of purchases like timeshares, campgrounds and parking garages.

Check the issuer’s website or contact the issuer directly to get a complete list of what is considered travel for your specific card.

About the Author

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Editor

Robert Thorpe

Robert Thorpe is an editor for CreditCards.com

About the Reviewer

Stephanie Zito

Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, humanitarian and credit card points collector sharing savvy travel tips she has learned firsthand from more than 20 years of circling the globe as a backpacker, expat and premium traveler in more than 125 countries and all seven continents.

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The best travel cards for beginners

If you're thinking about getting into the points and miles game, you'll want to find a credit card that -- at a minimum -- makes it easy to earn and redeem travel rewards. Luckily, there are plenty of beginner-friendly cards that fit that description. Even better? Many come with extra features like sign-up bonuses, no foreign transaction fees, and travel insurance.

To help you get started, we've compiled the following list of the best travel credit cards for beginners. You'll find a range of options -- including cards with no annual fees -- so you can choose one that aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best overall.

• 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
• 2x on all other travel purchases.
• 1x on all other purchases.

It's no wonder why the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a favorite among all types of travelers, including beginners and experts. For starters, this metal card allows you to accrue points through Chase Ultimate Rewards , the company's travel portal. When you redeem your points through Chase's platform, you'll get a 25% bonus on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.

If you'd rather book directly with a certain airline or hotel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred lets you transfer your points to several loyalty programs at a 1:1 rate. Transfer partners include Hyatt, JetBlue, Marriott, Southwest, and United.

The annual fee on this card is $95, which may seem steep if you're new to travel rewards. However, it includes an impressive number of perks, including bonus points on your cardmember anniversary, a $50 annual hotel credit, trip cancelation/interruption insurance, rental car coverage, and more. Plus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card currently offers an outstanding sign-up bonus of 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months after opening your card.

• Easy to redeem points
• Bonus spending categories (travel, dining, online groceries, and streaming services)
• 25% bonus for booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
• Transfer points to 14 hotel and airline partners
• Travel protection for trip cancellations/delays, rental cars, and lost luggage
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual fee may not appeal to travel beginners
• Transfer partners don't include all major airlines
• Must book through the Chase portal to get the most value

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for busy travelers.

• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.

If you want even more ways to redeem your miles, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card could be the right pick. There are three ways to trade in your miles for travel, including by booking through Capital One's portal and transferring to one of its 17 airline and hotel partners (such as Aeromexico, Air Canada, Choice Hotels, and Singapore Airlines).

To make redemption even easier, Capital One also allows you to cash in your miles after you've booked travel. All you need to do is purchase your flight, hotel, vacation rental , or rental car, then log into your Capital One account and apply your accrued miles to your travel purchase. They should appear as a credit on your bill within two to three business days. For a $95 annual fee, it's a great option if you're busy and don't have time to transfer miles or search for travel rewards on the Capital One portal.

As far as spending goes, you'll earn 2x miles per dollar spent on every purchase, as well as 5x per dollar spent on rental cars and hotels reserved through Capital One's portal. Right now, the company is offering a bonus of 75,000 miles for spending $4,000 in the three months after opening the card.

• Multiple redemption options
• Generous sign-up bonus
• Miles can be transferred to 17 travel partners
• All purchases earn 2x miles per dollar
• $100 credit toward Global Entry or PreCheck
• Two Capital One lounge passes per year
• Can't transfer miles to major US airlines or hotel chains
• Need to watch your statement to make sure miles credit is applied correctly

American Express® Gold Card

Best for foodies.

• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Love to eat? Whether you dine out or cook most of your meals at home, the American Express Gold Card is designed to reward foodies . With it, you'll earn 4x points per dollar on restaurants around the world, as well as takeout and delivery in the U.S. Plus, you'll also score 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x). To sweeten the deal, you can score up to $120 in dining credits and up to $120 in Uber Cash (for rides or food) each year.

Of course, the American Express Gold Card also offers travel-specific benefits. You'll accrue 3x points on flights (when booked directly with an airline or through the AmEx travel portal) and get a $100 annual credit on the Hotel Collection properties. All of your points are redeemable through the company's Membership Rewards program, where you can purchase flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. Alternatively, you can transfer points to more than 20 travel partners, including major players like Delta, Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson.

Compared to the other credit cards on our list, the $250 annual fee on the American Express Gold Card may seem high. However, if you spend a lot on food, it could make sense for you. If you enroll now, you can earn an extra 60,000 bonus points for spending $4,000 in the first six months after opening the card.

• 4x points on restaurants, takeout and delivery in the U.S., and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x); 3x points on flights
• Solid welcome bonus
• Annual Uber Cash and dining credits
• Includes car rental and lost baggage insurance
• Choose your card color (Gold or Rose Gold)
• Higher annual fee
• Many US airlines missing from transfer partners
• Some retailers don't accept American Express

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Best no annual fee card.

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, another beginner-friendly option, doesn't have an annual fee -- but still has plenty of perks. If you choose this card, you'll earn a flat rate of 1.5x points for every dollar spent. This means that there aren't special bonus categories, which can be helpful if you're just starting out with points and miles.

Not only is it simple to earn points, but it's also easy to redeem them. When you're ready, just book travel with your Bank of America card. After the charge posts to your statement, you can trade in your points for a statement credit. If you're traveling overseas, there are no foreign transaction fees, which is great to see on a no-annual-fee card.

If you belong to the America Preferred Rewards program, you can earn up to 75% more points per purchase. Plus, new cardholders can receive a 25,000-point bonus for spending $1,000 or more in the first three months after signing up. 

• No annual fee
• 1.5x points on all purchases
• Easy to redeem points for travel
• Competitive sign-up bonus
• Extra perks for BofA Preferred Rewards members
• No bonus spending categories
• Can't transfer points to travel partners
• No trip or rental car insurance

What is the best travel card for beginners?

Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best credit card if you're new to travel rewards. It does come with a $95 annual fee, but it's easy to justify that expense with the annual hotel credit, sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees, bonus spending categories, and travel insurance features.

Are travel credit cards worth it?

For many people, yes. Even if you're only an occasional traveler, you can use your points and miles to cover the costs of flights, hotels, and rental cars. Plus, many travel cards include great perks like trip cancelation insurance, lost baggage insurance, and rental car insurance. However, if you're in debt or struggling to pay your credit card bills in full each month, a travel credit card may not be the best choice for you.

What credit score do you need to get a travel credit card?

In most cases, you need a "good" or "excellent" credit score ( 670 or higher ) to be approved for a travel credit card. 

Do you need a travel card for an international trip?

No, but it helps. Most non-travel cards (like debit cards) charge foreign transaction fees, which can be around 3% per purchase. With cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Bank of America Travel Rewards card, you won't need to pay these fees when you're overseas.

How did we choose these credit cards?

The credit card space is highly competitive, with issuers offering tons of perks and features to attract new customers. To choose these five cards, we looked at several factors, including: 

Fees: The annual fees on travel credit cards range from $0 to $600+. Our picks are on the lower end of this spectrum to accommodate beginners who are just starting their journey with travel rewards.

Points-per-dollar earnings: This is one of the most important considerations when it comes to travel cards. When redemption rates are higher (3x to 5x points per dollar), you'll get more value from your everyday purchases -- particularly if you spend a lot in certain categories. For this list, we chose cards with a variety of earning rates and bonus categories.

Sign-up bonuses: Also known as welcome offers, sign-up bonuses reward you for spending a certain amount of money after opening a card. In many cases, these bonuses can cover the costs of roundtrip flights or multiple nights at a hotel. Our travel card picks all have competitive welcome offers.

Extra features: From airport lounge access to hotel credit to concierge services, each travel card has its own set of attractive bonus features. The cards on this list include a mix of features, so you can choose the ones that appeal most to you.

Which card is the right credit card for you?

While each of these five cards is great in its own way, there are certain ones that might make more sense depending on your personal situation. 

For instance, if you're just testing the waters with travel rewards or don't plan to travel often, you might consider a card with a $0 annual fee (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Bank of America Travel Rewards).

On the other hand, if you're planning a few big trips, you might be better off choosing a card with a generous welcome offer or the ability to transfer points to travel partners. In that case, cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the American Express Gold Card are wonderful options.

Are there alternative credit cards worth considering?

The travel cards listed above are some of the best options for beginners, but there are also a handful of other ones to consider, including: 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:  This card offers 10x miles on rental cars and hotels and 5x miles on flights (as long as you book through the Capital One portal). It comes with a $395 annual fee.

Chase Ink Business Preferred ®  Credit Card: If you're a business owner , you can use this card to earn 3x points on travel and several business categories. There's a $95 annual fee, and the card currently has a 100,000-point welcome bonus.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: We didn't include any hotel or airline-specific cards on our list, but if you're looking for a good option, this Delta card is worth considering. As a cardholder, you'll earn 3x miles on Delta and hotel purchases and 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide. Its fee is $250 per year ( see rates and fees ).

 Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.  

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The 6 starter travel credit cards for beginners.

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There are card options for travel credit card beginners that don’t have steep annual fees, require near-perfect credit, or involve a ton of complicated restrictions. Those free flights and hotel stays you've heard about are within your reach, too — if you choose one of the travel credit cards that aligns with your spending habits. Here’s what you need to know.

The 6 starter travel credit cards for beginners:

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

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• We recommend the Wells Fargo Autograph Card as one of the best travel credit cards for beginners because it has a $0 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and an elevated rewards rate.
• If you want to take advantage of more travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is easily one of our top choices. It has a $95 annual fee, but you can earn some of our favorite rewards (Chase Ultimate Rewards points) and take advantage of multiple travel benefits and protections.

All information about American Express ® Green Card has been collected independently by FinanceBuzz.

Awesome Rewards Rates + Intro APR

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Current Offer

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value

Rewards Rate

• Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases
• Intro APR on purchases
• $0 annual fee
• No intro APR on balance transfers
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Why we like it:  The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a solid card for earning elevated rewards rates on specific everyday purchases and it also comes with some unexpected perks for a $0-annual-fee card.

This card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable). So you could earn rewards for future travel and be able to make big purchases without spending a lot on interest charges as long as you pay them off during the intro period.

Other benefits that can be helpful for a traveler include:

• Cell phone protection
• Travel and emergency services assistance, such as lost luggage locator service, emergency message service, and medical referral assistance
• Up to $50,000 in car rental coverage toward a covered accident or theft on eligible car rentals

What we don’t like: If you want to take advantage of different intro APR offers with the Wells Fargo Autograph, note that it doesn’t have an intro APR offer on balance transfers.

Check out our full Wells Fargo Autograph Card review .

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

• Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
• Longer intro APR on qualifying purchases and balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees
• Best for Bank of America customers
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Why we like it:  The Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card can be a great addition to your wallet if you're looking for excellent everyday earning potential with rewards that you can put toward travel. In addition, you can boost that earning rate by 25% to 75% if you’re also a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.

For the traveler, this card offers some potentially valuable benefits:

Travel and emergency assistance

Trip delay reimbursement

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Lost luggage reimbursement

Visa Signature Concierge

If you're looking for perks beyond travel or have some big purchases planned, this card could also be a great fit for you. This card provides:

• 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable)
• 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases (then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable)

What we don’t like: The Bank of America Travel Rewards doesn’t provide a way to earn bonus rewards in specific categories, such as travel or dining. 

Check out our full Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review .

Long 0% Intro APR Offer

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) APR; Balance transfer fee applies
• 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
• No annual fee
• Other cards may offer higher rewards rate
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Why we like it: The VentureOne Rewards shares many of the same features with its Venture Rewards cousin, such as redeeming rewards for statement credits as well as auto insurance protection. 2 But there are two important differences that make this credit card a better choice for some applicants.

The VentureOne Rewards Credit Card doesn’t have an annual fee, which is a nice perk in the rewards card space.

New VentureOne Rewards cardholders get 0% intro APR on purchases during the first 15 months (then 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) APR).

With such amazing perks, why would anyone choose the Venture Rewards? The answer is simple: the Venture Rewards gives you 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25. With VentureOne Rewards, you’ll earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

So, for everyday purchases, the Venture Rewards comes out on top. But if you want a $0-annual-fee and have a big upcoming purchase that you want to pay off interest-free over time, the VentureOne Rewards Card might be right for you.

What we don’t like: You can find higher rewards rates on other cards.

Check out our full VentureOne Rewards Credit Card card review .

Great for Flexible Travel Rewards

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases

• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary point bonus each year
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠
• Premium travel protection benefits
• Has annual fee
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Why we like it:  Chase built the Sapphire Preferred travel credit card for a beginner audience, and it’s easy to see why consumers like it. Plus, the “travel” category can include things like Uber and tolls.

The Sapphire Preferred also offers robust travel-specific benefits: Think a $50 annual hotel credit for stays booked through the Chase portal, purchase and extended warranty protection, and travel-related insurances not offered by other issuers at this level.

Best of all, Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders also get access to the Chase Travel℠ program. Chase Travel℠ is your gateway to trading your points for loyalty program rewards. You can also find deals on retailer gift cards or redeem your points for cash.

What we don’t like: Cardholders have to pay a $95 annual fee.

Check out our full  Chase Sapphire Preferred card review .

Incredibly Flexible Rewards

• Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25

• 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
• Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit
• 19.99% - 29.99% (variable) purchase APR
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Why we like it:  The Capital One Venture Rewards takes a lot of the hassle out of rewards cards with one simple feature: redeeming rewards for statement credits. Book travel with the card and, at your request, Capital One will redeem your miles and apply a statement credit. Easy! 

Plus, unlike other credit card rewards programs, there’s no redemption minimum. That means if you really want to trade miles to pay for your $5 airline headphone purchase, you can do it.

You’ll also get a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry registration reimbursement — valued at $78 or $100, respectively. Already have it? Apply it toward a family member or friend’s fee instead.

What we don’t like: You have to pay a $95 annual fee as a cardmember.

Check out our full  Capital One Venture Rewards card review .

Powerful Benefits with a Low Annual Fee

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months (plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases during the first 6 months, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit)
• 3X points on eligible travel and transit purchases, and at eligible restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.; and 1X points on all other eligible purchases
• 3X points at eligible travel and transit purchases, and at eligible restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• Up to $189 annually as a statement credit for CLEAR Plus
• Up to $100 LoungeBuddy credit per year
• $150 annual fee
• Limited lounge access
• No balance transfers
• Intro purchase 0% APR offer: N/A for N/A then 21.24% to 29.24% (variable)
• Intro balance transfer 0% APR offer: N/A for N/A then N/A
• Terms apply

Why we like it: The Amex Green has a generous welcome offer and a reasonable annual fee. Its rewards rate is a great fit for travelers, allowing you to earn 3X for eligible travel and transit purchases, and at eligible restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S..

It also has a statement credit of up to $189 for CLEAR Plus, which can speed up your trips through airport security. Other benefits that could be helpful include the LoungeBuddy credit of up to $100 and car rental and baggage insurance.

What we don’t like: Cardmembers have to pay a $150 annual fee.

Check out our full American Express ® Green Card review .

At a basic level, all travel rewards credit cards work the same way. Every time you use the credit card, you earn points or miles that you can redeem for travel, merchandise, or cash. 

Some cards reward points or miles based on spending in certain categories, such as booking flights or eating out. Others offer the same reward structure no matter what you spend your money on.

What often sets credit card offers apart are their perks and benefits, such as:

• Airline transfer partners
• Hotel partners
• Airport lounge access
• Travel insurance options

Here are a few other steps to take when getting your first travel card:

• Travel credit cards aren’t always easy to qualify for. If your credit history is thin or you occasionally pay your statement balance late, getting approved could prove difficult. But more on that later. 
• Take the time to review each credit card’s rewards and travel partners because they don’t all offer the same perks. In other words, if you’re a loyal Marriott Bonvoy member but the card you’re eyeing partners with Hilton or Hyatt, you might want to reconsider. Or if you fly Southwest or Delta, be sure to get a card that partners with one of those airlines.
• Consider your payment history. If you typically pay your statement balance in full, that’s helpful because interest charges won’t offset the value of your rewards. If you occasionally carry a balance and have good credit, you’ll want a lower APR (annual percentage rate) — just in case.

In short, you’ll need good credit, a card with the right perks, and the lowest possible interest rate in case you have to roll your balance from month to month.

Points vs. miles

In very general terms, points are rewards in a credit card loyalty program, while miles are earned in an airline’s loyalty program or with a co-branded airline credit card and can be used toward purchasing flights.

You typically get the most redemption value out of using miles toward flights and upgrades with the associated airline or with partner airlines. You may be able to make other types of redemptions, such as getting gift cards, but those have a much lower redemption value, so you don’t get as much out of your miles.

Points tend to be more flexible, and you can use them for a variety of travel types, including hotel stays and car rentals, as well as for other types of redemptions, such as gift cards. As with miles, you tend to get less value out of redemptions for gift cards or statement credits.

Some programs use the terms “miles” and “points” interchangeably, however. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards card allows you to earn miles, but they can be used toward various types of travel through Capital One’s travel portal.

Travel cards vs. airline cards

Travel cards are geared toward travel in general and are associated with a card issuers rewards program, like American Express Membership Rewards . You earn points that you can use for a variety of travel options.

For example, I have points with the Chase Travel℠ Program through my Chase Sapphire Preferred card. We did have plans to travel to New Orleans for a week and used our points to cover our hotel stay.  

When a music festival came up that my wife couldn't resist during the week of our planned trip, we were easily able to get our points refunded and use them for flight tickets to Maryland instead by transferring them over to the Southwest Rapid Rewards program.

Airline cards earn points for an airline loyalty program, and the ways you can earn points may also be more limited. For example, with the Delta SkyMiles ® Blue American Express Card, you earn 2X miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases (terms apply). While this isn’t a bad earnings rate by any means, there are other cards that allow you to earn more rewards. If you’re a Delta loyalist, though, this card might make sense for you.

The right travel card for you is the one that matches your interests and spending habits, allowing you to earn valuable rewards and travel the way you like — for less. Learn more about these top cards and choose what's best for you.

Remember the credit score caveat I mentioned earlier? It’s important because the best travel credit cards usually require at least a “good” credit score of 680.

If your credit score is below 680, you’ll want to improve your credit score before you apply. The best way to raise your score is to always pay your bills on time. Pay in full whenever possible. Avoid maxing out your credit cards — in fact, keep your balances below 30% of your total available credit. Lastly, don’t open too many cards at once, and keep your old accounts open, even if you don’t use them.

Premium travel credit cards with lots of benefits tend to have annual fees of $250 or more. The many benefits and annual costs could be overwhelming, which is why we recommend different cards to travel credit card beginners.

You can easily find cards with annual fees that run less than $100, including cards with no annual fees at all. You might not get luxury benefits, but your experience with managing your card will be less stressful.

Foreign transaction fees

Nearly every travel credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases. But just in case, make sure you check for this fee as you compare credit cards. Paying around 3% on any foreign purchase might not seem like a lot, but it can add up if you make a lot of credit card purchases on an international trip.

Type of rewards

Most rewards cards earn cash back, points, or miles. If you want to use your rewards on travel-related redemptions, such as flights or hotel stays, you typically want a card that earns points or miles. These are cards designed with the traveler in mind.

Spending categories

To help maximize earning travel rewards on your everyday purchases, consider cards with bonus categories that align with your spending habits. For example, if you dine out a lot, find a card that earns bonus points in the dining category.

Perks and benefits

Travel credit cards for beginners don’t tend to have a lot of benefits. However, you can still find cards with a few perks here and there that don’t have high annual fees.

For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee, provides multiple travel insurance benefits, and offers up to $50 in statement credits each anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel℠.

What's the easiest travel card to get?

To get approved for a travel rewards credit card, you'll likely need good to excellent credit. If you're in the market for a new card, check out our picks for the  best credit cards for fair credit . Consider those options to build your credit history and credit score, and then apply for a travel rewards card down the line once your credit score falls within the good to excellent range.

Which card offers the best travel rewards?

Several travel rewards cards offer attractive benefits and perks for cardholders, but the best one for you depends on how often you travel, your travel preferences, and the types of benefits and perks you're looking for. Those who are new to travel rewards may appreciate the perks and features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Capital One Venture. 

Seasoned award travelers may appreciate high-end perks that come with a higher-annual-fee card, like Priority Pass access, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits, airline fee credits, or free checked bags. If you prefer luxury perks, The Platinum Card ® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® might be worth considering.

Is a travel credit card worth it?

Whether a travel card is worth it for you or not depends on a few different factors, including how often you travel, your typical spending habits, and the card's annual fee. If you're a frequent traveler that can take advantage of all the benefits that a travel rewards card has to offer, chances are it will help offset the cost of your travel expenses and help you keep some cash in your pocket. Just make sure you do your research to find the best travel card for your wallet. 

With responsible money management habits and the right rewards credit card, you can get access to incredible discounts on travel — and potentially free hotel stays or flights — or redeem for merchandise or cash. And next time your friend brags about their next vacation, you can share a tale or two of your own, too.

To choose the best starter travel credit cards , we identified credit cards with travel benefits and compared features like welcome offers, annual fees, and rewards rates. We did not include all possible options.

Card Details

on Bank of America’s secure website

Intro Offer

Why we like it

The Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.

Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.

Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.

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• Key takeaways

Our top picks for the best credit cards for beginners

Credit cards for beginners compared, best credit cards for beginners: editorial reviews, what is a starter credit card, how do beginner credit cards work, why should i get a beginner credit card, types of starter credit cards, how to choose the best starter credit card , how to apply for a beginner credit card, how to use a starter credit card, alternatives to credit cards, faqs: credit cards for beginners.

Best Beginner Credit Cards of 2024

• Some of the best credit cards for beginners are the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card , Chase Freedom Unlimited® , and Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card .
• Many of the best credit cards for beginners are designed for people who have little to no credit history . However, some of the cards on this list require a positive credit history and good score to qualify.
• Most starter cards are easier to get approved for than traditional cards but have fewer benefits and higher interest rates.
• Choose from secured, unsecured and student credit cards.
• Some cards earn rewards and offer shopping and travel perks.
• Not sure what cards you qualify for? CardMatch can help match you with the perfect credit card.

If you’re new to credit, it can be challenging to get approved for traditional credit cards. That’s where starter credit cards come in — they’re designed for people with limited or no credit history. 

In this guide, we’ll introduce the best credit cards for beginners and go through the factors you need to consider to find the right fit, including:

• Basics of starter credit cards
• Types of beginner credit cards
• Choosing a starter credit card
• Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for college students who spend primarily on restaurants, groceries and entertainment
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for people with a limited but positive credit history
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for earning and redeeming rewards on travel purchases
• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for college students with varied spending habits
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for earning rewards in everyday categories
• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for building or repairing credit with a low security deposit
• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for earning cash-back rewards while building credit
• Self - Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for people who struggle to get approved for secured cards
• Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for opening a secured card with no credit check

Best for college students who spend primarily on restaurants, groceries and entertainment

Capital one savorone student cash rewards credit card.

Earn unlimited 3% back on eligible grocery, restaurant, streaming, and entertainment purchases. Earn 1% back on everything else.

Card Details

More Card Info

• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• No foreign transaction fees or hidden fees
• Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
• Build your credit with responsible card use
• Whether you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
• Good cash back rewards & welcome bonus
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Highest cash back requires booking through Capital One
• Possible high APR depending on credit worthiness

Best for people with a limited but positive credit history

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Best for earning and redeeming rewards on travel purchases

Capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

More card info

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR.
• Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Intro APR offer
• Low spending requirement for welcome offer
• Good or excellent credit recommended
• Few travel perks

Best for college students with varied spending habits

Capital one quicksilver student cash rewards credit card.

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform.

• Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen
• No annual fee / no foreign transaction fees
• No penalty APR
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• High APR depending on creditworthiness
• Limited cash back bonus categories
• No intro APR offer for purchases

Best for earning rewards in everyday categories

Blue cash everyday® card from american express.

Earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year on online retail purchases (then 1%), and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after account opening, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
• Terms Apply.
• 0% APR on eligible purchases for 15 months
• Generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & online shopping
• Rewards cap on spending at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases
• 2.7% foreign transaction fee
• Low rewards rate outside of bonus categories

Best for building or repairing credit with a low security deposit

Capital one platinum secured credit card.

This card doesn’t earn any rewards.

• See if you’re approved in seconds
• Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
• You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
• Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
• Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One’s mobile app
• Easy approval
• $49, $99 or $200 flexible security deposit opportunities
• High variable APR
• No rewards structure
• Requires a security deposit

Best for earning cash-back rewards while building credit

Capital one quicksilver secured cash rewards credit card.

Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel platform.

• Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
• Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Can qualify with limited credit

Best for people who struggle to get approved for secured cards

Self - credit builder account with secured visa® credit card.

• Start with a Credit Builder Account, make at least 3 monthly payments on time, have $100 or more in savings progress in your Credit Builder Account, and be in good standing. Then, you’ll be eligible for the Self Visa® Credit Card, without a hard credit check.
• Your savings progress from your Credit Builder Account acts as your security deposit for your secured Credit Card.
• No credit score or hard credit check is needed to get started.
• Can pay as little as $25/month
• Reports to all 3 credit bureaus.

Credit Builder Accounts & Certificates of Deposit made/held by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., SouthState Bank, N.A., First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval.

Self Visa® Credit Card issued by Lead Bank or SouthState Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. See self.inc for details.

*Sample loans: $25/mo, 24 mos, $9 admin fee, 15.92% APR; $35/mo, 24 mos, $9 admin fee, 15.97% APR; $48/mo, 24 mos, $9 admin fee, 15.72% APR; $150/mo, 24 mos, $9 admin fee, 15.88% APR. See self.com/pricing

• No upfront deposit
• No credit score requirement
• Contributes to credit mix
• Can’t use the card immediately
• Have to commit to 2 years of payments
• Doesn’t earn rewards

Best for opening a secured card with no credit check

Chime credit builder secured visa® credit card.

The Chime credit card works like other secured credit cards in the sense that it requires a security deposit. However, it offers several features that put it in a league of its own. Chime essentially works like a prepaid card. You simply add money to your Chime Builder secured account from your checking account and can spend until your card balance reaches $0.00. This is great for people trying to build or rebuild credit**, as it works similarly to a debit card (It’s not a debit card, but Chime does offer a debit card— use code SAVE10 to get $10 when you activate your Chime Debit Card within 30 days of enrollment ).

However, unlike a debit card, Chime reports to all 3 credit bureaus, so you build credit while you spend. Other noteworthy features of the Chime Credit Builder card include not requiring a credit check at sign-up or a minimum security deposit (Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.)

To qualify for the Chime Credit Builder card, all you need is to open a Chime Checking Account and receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more. After receiving that direct deposit you can apply for a secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card!

*No Interest: Out of network ATM withdrawal fees and over the counter advance fees may apply. See here for details.

**No Minimum Security Deposit: Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.

To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

**Safer Credit Building - On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

• No credit check required to apply
• No annual interest charges
• No credit limit greater than your deposit
• Need direct deposit account with Chime
• No option to upgrade

The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is available to students. It comes with unlimited cash-back rewards — 3% on restaurant, entertainment and grocery store purchases, and 1% on all other eligible purchases — and doesn’t have an annual fee. This card requires fair credit, so you must have at least some credit history to be approved.

Capital One SavorOne Student Card review

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card has a $0 annual fee and a solid rewards program, which is why it’s one of the best beginner credit cards. You can earn 3% at restaurants and drugstores, plus 1.5% on all other purchases. It’s good for travelers; book through Chase Travel to earn 5% back. Unlike many starter credit cards, the Freedom Unlimited also has an intro annual percentage rate (APR) offer. It has the potential to be a one-stop shop, but if you spend a lot in specific categories, another card may provide more value.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Card review

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is designed for people with excellent credit. It doesn’t have an annual fee, and it offers a 0% intro APR. You can earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 miles if you spend a minimum of $500 in the first three months. This card is best if you’re a traveler — you’ll earn 1.25 miles per dollar spent, which you can redeem for bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal or other travel purchases. Other travel cards can easily provide more value, but if you don’t travel often and/or don’t want to pay an annual fee, the VentureOne could be a good option.

Capital One VentureOne Credit Card review

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a $0 annual fee and offers cash-back rewards. It has a simple rewards structure where every eligible purchase earns 1.5%. Choose from flexible redemption options, including cash back and gift cards. You must be a college student to apply. If you’re willing to keep track of bonus categories, a different card may provide more value (depending on what you spend the most on).

Capital One Quicksilver Student Card review

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express helps you earn rewards on ordinary purchases. You can earn 3% cash back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retailers and U.S. gas stations up to $6,000 per year (then 1%), plus 1% on everything else. The card has no annual fee and comes with a solid intro APR offer. You’ll already need to have a decent credit history and a good credit score to qualify, but if you’ve already done that hard work, this could be a good bridge into the world of cash-back credit cards.

Amex Blue Cash Everyday Credit Card review

If you can’t get approved for a traditional credit card, the zero-annual-fee Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card could be a good option to help you build your credit history. You must make a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 to open the card with a $200 limit. In as little as six months, Capital One will conduct a credit-line review. If you’re eligible, the bank may refund your deposit and move you up to a standard Capital One Platinum Credit Card. It doesn’t earn rewards and has a very high APR, but it could be a decent way for you to work on building up that credit score.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card review

The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has a minimum deposit of $200 and is geared toward people with limited or fair credit. Purchases earn 1.5% cash back — an unusual perk for a secured credit card. Quicksilver Secured cardholders are also eligible for automatic credit-line reviews, so you could be upgraded to a standard Quicksilver card.

The Self - Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa® Credit Card offers one of the most unique beginner credit cards on the market. To get it, you’ll need to open a Self Credit Builder Account and make at least three on-time deposits. Once you have at least $100 in Self savings, you can open the Self Visa card without a hard credit inquiry. This process takes time, but it may be worthwhile if you don’t qualify for another card.

Self Secured Visa Credit Card review

The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card is a standard secured card that doesn’t require a credit check. However, you’ll need to open a checking account with Chime and make direct deposits of at least $200. Move money into your Credit Builder account to determine the credit limit. Chime doesn’t charge interest or annual fees.

Chime Credit Builder Card review

A starter credit card is intended specifically for people who have limited or no credit history. Most come with relaxed approval criteria, making them easier to get than standard credit cards. The best starter credit cards give you access to credit, but more importantly, they help you build a credit profile. 

Beginner credit cards give you access to a line of credit. You can charge purchases up to the credit limit and pay them back later. If you carry a balance, most card issuers charge interest on the unpaid sum. The interest depends on your annual percentage rate (APR) — the amount you pay to use credit.

Since beginner credit cards tend to have higher APRs than other cards, it’s a good idea to pay off your balance every month. That way, you won’t get hit with large interest fees. If you qualify for a card with 0% intro APR , remember that it will increase after the introductory period ends.

As you use your first credit card, the issuer reports your activity to the major credit bureaus — Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. If you make payments on time, stay within your credit limit and minimize the amount of credit you’re using, you can increase your credit score . 

Pros and cons of starter credit cards

Thinking about opening a credit card for beginners? Make sure you’re aware of the pros and cons:

• Helps build credit
• Easier to qualify for
• Usually have no annual fees
• May offer a 0% introductory APR
• Certain cards earn rewards
• Irresponsible use can damage your credit
• Low credit limits
• May require a security deposit or a minimum credit score

You might consider a beginner’s credit card if you’re new to credit; these cards are ideal if you’ve never had a credit card or a loan. They can also be useful if you need to rebuild your credit .

The goal of starter credit cards is to establish a solid credit history. That way, it’s easier to get approved for home loans, auto loans and have access to the best credit cards .

Better credit can also help you:

• Rent a home
• Get a cell phone contract

The best beginner credit cards also come with additional perks such as rewards and fraud protection. Many include car rental insurance, extended warranties and purchase protections.

If you’re searching for a first-time credit card, there are a few types to consider.

Student credit cards

Student credit cards are exclusively for students and you may be able to qualify with a very limited or nonexistent credit history. Shop around — credit card companies know that students can turn into long-term customers, so they often offer special products and perks.

Secured credit cards

Secured credit cards require you to put up a security deposit in cash. This money serves as collateral; if you don’t make payments, the card issuer keeps your deposit. These cards are relatively easy to get even if you have a low credit score or a spotty credit history. As long as you make payments on time, they offer an effective way to build credit. 

Unsecured credit cards

Unsecured credit cards don’t require a security deposit. However, the issuer will assess your credit score, credit history, income and debt before making an approval decision. Starter cards often have fewer approval requirements, but they may have high APRs and lower credit limits.

To help you choose the best first credit card for your needs, keep the following factors in mind.

Credit building features

Make sure the card issuer reports to all three credit bureaus — that way, making timely payments will have the biggest impact on your credit score. While you’re at it, check to see if you can upgrade to a better card with the same issuer after a period of responsible use.

The APR on starter cards is usually higher than the rates charged on standard cards, but it’s still a consideration. After all, the APR will have a big impact on how much you pay to carry a balance. If you have a good credit score , look for cards that offer lower rates for well-qualified applicants.

Read the card terms to understand the fees you’ll pay if you take a cash advance, make a late payment or transfer a balance from another card. Most beginner cards have a $0 annual fee, but it’s a good idea to verify the amount. If you’re a traveler, make sure to check foreign transaction fees; they can add up over the course of one vacation. 

Does the card offer a rewards program? If so, does it match your spending patterns? Look at redemption options carefully — some rewards cards will send a check or give you statement credits, while others have more limited options. It’s also important to look at welcome offers; if you can meet the spending threshold, these offers can pay off in extra rewards.

Check the benefits that come with the card. Common options include:

• Travel insurance
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranties
• Fraud protection
• Credits for services

You can apply for starter credit cards online — our card comparison tool, CardMatch , is a great place to evaluate offers and start the application process. 

Here’s what you can expect to provide during the application process:

• Age verification. Most cards require you to be at least 18 years old.
• Social security number. You’ll need to provide your SSN during the application process.
• Income. Plan to provide information about your employment and income.
• Contact information. Be prepared to give your phone number and address. 
• Credit history. You don’t need to worry about this part — the bank will pull your credit report and look at your history of payments and borrowing.

Every application you submit results in a hard credit pull ; applying for multiple starter credit cards can hurt your credit score.

If you don’t use a credit card responsibly, having one can cause more harm than good. 

Here are a few best practices to help you get the most value from your beginner credit card:

Only use the card for purchases you can afford.

This helps you avoid excess debt; it also reduces your risk of defaulting or missing payments.

Pay your balance in full.

By doing so, you’ll avoid interest charges — a must, since your APR will likely be high.

Set up auto-pay.

By authorizing the card issuer to withdraw funds from your checking account automatically, you won’t have to remember to make payments on time.

Monitor your credit score.

This lets you see how different actions, such as reducing credit utilization and making on-time payments, can impact your score.

If you’re struggling to qualify for a starter credit card, there are a few other ways to manage your finances. 

Debit cards

A debit card lets you make purchases with a card using the funds in your bank account. However, it won’t help you build credit.

Store credit and charge cards

These cards can be used at a single retailer or family of brands. They’re easy to get approved for, but often have high interest rates. As long as you make your payments regularly, they can help you build credit.

Personal loans

Making payments on a personal loan is a good way to build credit. Your bank or credit union likely offers several options. If you can’t get approved, look for credit-building loans through brick-and-mortar and online banks.

Becoming an authorized user

Becoming an authorized user on a family member’s or friend’s credit card can help you build credit. However, the cardholder’s actions can impact your credit — missed payments or a high credit utilization rate can affect you negatively.

What is the best first credit card to build credit?

If you have no credit history, look for cards designed for building or repairing credit. Applying for a secured card can also be a great way to start building credit.

How do I choose the best starter credit card?

To choose the best starter card, evaluate the interest rate, welcome offer and rewards program. If you need to get a secured card, look at the minimum deposit requirements and opportunities to increase your credit limit in the future.

Which credit card is the best for first-timers?

The best credit card for a first-time applicant depends on your history. If you’re a college student, look for student cards — they make it easy to get approved, even if you’ve never had a credit card before. If you’ve had a loan or another form of credit in the past, look for cards that require a fair or good credit history.

What is the easiest credit card to get approved for?

It’s usually easiest to get approved for a secured credit card. Some assess your credit score, but many simply require that you make a security deposit.

What do you need to qualify for beginner credit cards?

To qualify for a beginner credit card, you likely need at least some type of income. Certain cards also require you to have some credit history.

Elizabeth Smith is an experienced travel and finance writer who specializes in topics including credit cards, travel insurance, and personal finance. Travel insurance, in particular, has both professional and personal significance for Smith. She’s traveled to 73 countries, and has extensive experience choosing and using various policies — she understands how valuable the right plan can be in an emergency, and loves to help readers find the perfect fit.

Smith comes to the world of finance from a scientific and technical background. She spent more than 10 years writing about engineering, science, and technology for universities and private companies. When she’s not writing or traveling, Smith can usually be found hiking or Nordic skiing.

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* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Chase Credit Cards

Vault’s viewpoint.

• Chase offers various personal and small business credit cards.
• Most Chase credit cards offer cash back or travel rewards.
• Chase offers several cards that feature Ultimate Rewards points.

Most Popular Chase Credit Cards

The most popular Chase cards offer high cash back rates or travel rewards points. When it comes to travel rewards, Chase has cards that offer points with airline and hotel programs, along with cards that feature Chase’s own Ultimate Rewards program. Chase also offers both personal and small business credit cards.

Best First Travel Rewards Card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why we love this card: This card offers Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be extremely valuable. Among the rewards with this card, you earn 3X points on dining, a minimum of 2X points on travel purchases and 1X points on all other purchases that do not fall under the bonus categories. You can transfer points to airline and hotel partners, and they are worth a boosted 1.25 cents each towards travel booked through Chase Travel.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is ideal for people who are getting started earning travel rewards. This card is also great for people who want exceptional travel rewards and purchase protection benefits while only having to pay a reasonable annual fee.

• Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
• Robust travel insurance and purchase protection policies
• Missing some features found with other premium rewards cards
• High standard APR

Best Premium Travel Rewards Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why we love this card: This card is Chase’s premium travel rewards option, and it’s one of the most full-featured cards offered by any card issuer. It features 3x points on travel and dining, and points are worth 1.5 cents each towards travel booked through Chase Travel. Travel-related rewards kick in after the $300 annual travel credit (as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year) is spent. This card also comes with access to Priority Pass Select airport lounges with enrollment and the small but growing network of Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Who should have this in their wallet: Frequent travelers and dedicated award travel enthusiasts will get the most from this card. People who travel frequently will enjoy the airport lounge access and the numerous travel insurance policies.

• Boosted 50% point value when booking travel through Chase Travel
• $300 annual travel credit
• $550 annual fee
• Beginning July 1, 2024, Chase is removing the Priority Pass card benefit for credits at airport restaurants
• $75 per year for each additional authorized user

Best Cash Back Card: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Chase freedom flex℠.

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.

Why we love this card: Users love to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in combined purchases on featured merchant categories each quarter they activate. It also features 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel and 3% cash back on dining and drug stores. Rewards technically come in points you can redeem for cash back or combine with other cards like the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is a great addition to the wallets of Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cardholders, who want more ways to earn Ultimate Rewards points.

• You can combine points with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards
• No annual fee
• Most purchases only earn 1% cash back
• By itself, rewards can’t be transferred to airline miles or hotel points
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Best Chase Retail Rewards Card: Prime Visa

Instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members

Why we love this card: As long as you have an Amazon Prime membership, you won’t pay an annual fee to earn some of the most competitive rewards rates on Amazon purchases including Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is great for millions of Americans with an Amazon Prime membership who want to earn cash back rewards.

• Earn on spending beyond Amazon purchases
• Weak sign-up bonus
• Earn just 1% cash back on most purchases
• Must be an Amazon Prime member

Best Airline Rewards Card: United℠ Explorer Card

Why we love this card: This card is very valuable for United fliers as it offers 2X miles on United purchases, directly-purchased hotels and dining. You also receive your first checked bag free, priority boarding and expanded access to low-priced Saver awards.

Who should have this in their wallet: United passengers and people who travel occasionally with checked bags. It’s also a card for frugal people, as there’s a $0 intro annual fee for the first year (then $95) and you receive an up to $100 fee credit towards Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.

• Free first checked bag for the cardholder and a companion
• Plenty of United Perks
• $0 intro for the first year (then $95)
• No bonus categories that earn more than 2X miles
• Number of miles needed for award flights can rise without warning

Best Small Business Cash Back Card: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Chase ink business cash® credit card.

Why we love this card: This card offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent (then 1%) in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. You can combine points with other Ultimate Rewards cards and transfer to airline and hotel partners.

Who should have this in their wallet: Small business owners who want to earn cash back or supplement their Ultimate Rewards points will find value in this card. It’s also a good choice for people who want to separate their personal and small business purchases, without paying an annual fee.

• Pool your earnings with Ultimate Rewards points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards
• Automatically checked for credit line increase every six months or sooner
• Competitive cash back earned on Lyft purchases until March 31, 2025
• By itself, rewards cannot be transferred to airline and hotel partners

Personal Chase Credit Cards

Chase offers personal cards that earn points in its Ultimate Rewards program, along with cards that are co-branded with airline, hotel and retail partners. It also offers small business credit cards that allow you to earn rewards for your company purchases.

The cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points include the Sapphire and Ink cards. You can also earn rewards with partners such as United, Southwest, Marriott, World of Hyatt and Amazon. Chase also offers its Chase Slate Edge℠ card with lower interest rates.

Chase Business Credit Cards

How do i earn rewards with chase.

Most Chase cards offer some form of rewards as points, miles or cash back. Most cards will offer new applicants some sort of new account bonus. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has an offer to earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on a new account within three months of account opening.

Typically cards will offer a flat rate for most purchases and a bonus rate for purchases from specific categories of purchases. For example, the Freedom Unlimited offers 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel and 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service) and drugstore purchases. You’ll also earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

To see your points balances, log into your Chase account and select the card. The number of points you have will appear along with other account information like your balance, payment due date and minimum payment due. If you are earning cash back or reward points in a program run by Chase, then you can redeem points from there. Otherwise, you’ll have to go to the co-brand partner offering the rewards, such as United or Hyatt.

What is the Best Chase Credit Card For Me?

Chase currently offers 39 cards to new applicants so selecting the best card for your needs can be hard. Consider the factors below when making your decision.

Business or Personal

• Rewards program
• Promotional financing offers

When looking at the selection of Chase cards available, you’ll first have to choose between business and personal cards. The small business cards are designed to help you separate your company expenses from your other expenses. Small business cards will also offer bonuses on purchases that businesses will likely make, like advertising or office supplies.

Choosing a Rewards Program

Chase offers cards that earn cash back, Ultimate Rewards points or rewards with various co-branded partners. Its partners include airlines like United and Southwest and hotels like Marriott, Hyatt and IHG. Other co-banded partners include Disney, Amazon, Instacart and DoorDash.

When choosing a credit card, it’s important to consider the costs of the card. 14 of the 39 Chase cards currently offered have no annual fee . Many of the cards also have no foreign transaction fees, while others impose a 3% fee of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars on all charges processed outside of the United States.

Promotional Financing Offers

Most Chase cards have similar interest rates , but some Chase cards may offer 0% APR introductory financing on new purchases, balance transfers or both. If one of these offers can benefit you, then it’s worth considering as a factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best chase credit card for beginners.

The Chase Freedom Rise℠ Credit Card is ideal for beginners and is marketed to students and others new to credit. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and has no annual fee.

What Is the 5/24 Rule on Chase Card Applications?

Chase has an unpublished rule that is commonly known as 5/24. If an applicant has opened five or more new personal credit card accounts, from any card issuer, within the last 24 months, you will be automatically declined when you apply for a new account.

Which Chase Card is Hardest to Get?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is designed to be available for applicants with excellent credit. Chase also offers the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card by invitation only to high-net-worth individuals.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Chase Credit Cards first appeared on Newsweek Vault .

Chase Freedom Unlimited review 2024

In a nutshell

A great all-around rewards credit card for beginners and those wanting to maximize travel purchases.

• No annual fee.
• Can redeem for statement credits, travel rewards and more.

The AP Buyline roundup

This no annual fee credit card offers competitive rewards earnings on travel, dining and drugstores. bonus_miles_full

What’s more, the card_name credit card offers a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration (though there is a balance transfer fee). You can redeem rewards as statement credits or towards rewards through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Plus, if you have other Chase rewards cards, you can combine points to help maximize your earnings.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Rewards details.

• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 5% cash back on qualifying Lyft rides through March 2025.
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
• 1.5% cash back for all other eligible purchases.

Why we like it

A high return rate on everyday purchases is great, but this card ups the ante in a big way: You can turn the cash back you earn into airline miles and hotel points for nearly free travel — skyrocketing the potential value of your rewards. You’ll need to hold an annual fee-incurring Chase Ultimate Rewards card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, to do it; but it’s a nice redemption option to have if travel is a goal of yours.

Who is the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card for?

The card_name credit card is a great fit for those looking to dip their toes into earning rewards for their everyday purchases and don't want to pay an annual fee. It can also be a great fit for those who don't have excellent credit but still want to be able to qualify for a rewards credit card.

Even those who already have another Chase rewards credit card can find the Freedom Unlimited a useful one to keep in their wallet. For instance, you can maximize your rewards earnings in different categories with both the card_name and the card_name credit card and combine points to redeem for travel and other types of rewards.

Chase Freedom Unlimited features

Cash back earnings.

Cardholders can earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, even if it doesn't fall into one of the elevated categories. To earn even more, booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards gets you 5% cash back, and qualifying dining and drugstore purchases get you 3% cash back.

0% introductory APR rate

Those who intend to make large purchases or want to lower the amount they pay in interest rates can take advantage of card_name and its intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration . This means as long as you adhere to the terms set by Chase, you don't need to pay any interest for purchases or balance transfers for the first 15 months.

Travel protections

There are several types of travel benefits your card may offer, including:

• Trip cancellation: You may be able to get reimbursed for up to $6,000 per trip and $1,500 per person for any nonrefundable and prepaid fares for a covered reason. These reasons include severe weather and sickness.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver: Cardholders can qualify for secondary coverage for rental cards that are damaged due to theft or collision. You will need an eligible Visa card to complete your entire rental car transaction.

The fine print

The card_name charges several fees, including but not limited to:

• Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
• Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
• Late and/or returned payment fee: late_payment_fee
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee

Additional hidden perks

The card_name also offers other protections such as:

• Purchase protection: Qualifying purchases you make on your card can be covered for up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account against damage or theft for up to 120 days.
• Extended warranty protection: Qualify for an additional year on an eligible warranty for a purchase that has a term of up to three years.

Where the Chase Freedom Unlimited doesn't measure up

While the card_name offers decent cash back earnings and certain travel and purchase protections, it's not a totally unique card. Other Chase cards offer many of the same benefits, though with the Freedom Unlimited you have the advantage of not having an annual fee. Besides that, this card isn't the best fit if you want to earn more than 1.5% cash back on purchases other than dining, drugstore and travel-related purchases.

Alternatives to the Chase Freedom Unlimited

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Your 2024 Credit Card Checklist for Summer Travel

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Checklists are a key step in travel preparation for many people. Passport — check. Phone charger — check. But have you checked to make sure you’re fully utilizing the travel perks offered by your credit card?

Whether you’re a seasoned jetsetter or a novice traveler seeing the world for the first time, benefits from the right credit card can make a trip more convenient and more comfortable. That’s good news for the 50% of Americans who plan to travel more in 2024 than 2023, according to a survey by IPX1031, a Fidelity National Financial Company.

Here’s a credit card checklist to review before you hit the road this summer.

1. Bring a card

First things first — be sure to bring a credit card! Many airlines, and even entire airports, are now cash-free. That means you’ll need a card to pay for that pre-departure drink or in-flight snack. You might even earn bonus rewards.

For example, if restaurants are a bonus category for your card, sit-down establishments within the airport will usually still earn that higher rewards rate. If your card earns a bonus on travel purchases, you'll usually earn that bonus for in-flight purchases.

2. Register for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Clear

Airports are more crowded than ever, with air passenger growth up 6% and foreign travel up 24% year over year, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics.

To ease the burden of long lines, check if your card offers a credit that covers the cost of TSA PreCheck , Global Entry or Clear . These programs allow you to speed through the line at security or customs, but since they all require a background check and an in-person interview, you'll need to register well before your trip. Even if you haven’t been verified for this trip, register today to prepare for your next trip.

3. Register for lounge access

Airport lounges offer a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal, with most offering free food and drinks. If your card offers access to Priority Pass lounges, you’ll need to register for that benefit before you hit the road.

Don’t forget your physical membership card, or even easier, download the Priority Pass app and use your phone to access the lounge.

4. Notify your issuer of your travel plans

Few things can create issues like having your card unexpectedly stop working when you’re away from home, especially internationally. With rates of credit card fraud increasing, it’s possible your card could stop working if you’re spending outside of your normal patterns or locations. To preempt this, notify your issuer before you travel. Often you can do this online or through the app, but just in case, be sure to travel with at least two cards .

5. Avoid paying foreign transaction fees

If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you have a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees . If your card does levy those fees, try to get a different card before you leave the country.

6. Pay with your most rewarding card

Be sure to identify opportunities to leverage your trip and earn outsized rewards. For example, if you know you’ll be staying at a Hilton brand hotel, you might consider applying for one of the Hilton credit cards offered by American Express and earn up to 14 Hilton points per dollar you spend at the hotel. Those points can stack up fast and easily defray costs for your future travel.

But you'll need to bring the physical card with you. Many hotels aren't able to accept digital wallet payments, so if you can't swipe your card, you'll miss out on those heightened rewards.

7. Check your card’s money-saving offers

Many issuers have programs, such as AmEx Offers, Chase Offers and BankAmeriDeals from Bank of America, that let you add rotating promotional offers to your card and earn additional points or cash back for making purchases at specific merchants. Be sure to review these offers for any merchants where you might spend during your travels. Just be aware of the fine print — often these offers exclude, or only include, international merchants.

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