which bank travel card is best

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Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024

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• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best feature: Flexible cash back rewards.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best feature: Travel rewards.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card : Best feature: Hilton hotel rewards.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best feature: Travel rewards.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card : Best feature: Delta Air Lines rewards.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, travel credit cards can help you save money. There are many types of travel cards, and they often come with sign-up bonuses and robust rewards programs. A general travel card is a good option for those who want flexibility. But if you do have a favorite airline, an airline-branded card might be just what you need. Terms apply.

U.S. News’ Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2024

See all of our credit cards here .

On This Page

• U.S. News’ Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• How Travel Credit Cards Work

Commonly Compared Travel Credit Cards :

Popular categories:.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Credit Cards

Credit Cards With Sign-up Bonuses

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

You can use travel credit cards to save money on travel expenses such as airfare, hotel stays, car rentals and baggage fees. Use your travel rewards credit cards to pay for travel and other monthly expenses, and you'll be amazed by how quickly your earnings accumulate. I use a combination of travel rewards and cash back cards, and I earn thousands of dollars' worth of rewards every year.

Depending on the credit card, you can redeem your rewards for airfare, statement credits, hotel stays, merchandise, upgrades and more. Many of these cards also allow you to transfer miles or points to partner airlines and hotels.

Within the travel rewards credit card category, there are three basic types of travel cards: general travel cards, airline cards and hotel cards.

General Travel Credit Cards

With general travel credit cards, you can redeem rewards for many things. Options may include statement credits, trips booked via the issuer's travel portal, online purchases and gift cards. Depending on the rewards program, which varies by credit card, you may also be able to transfer rewards to other airline or hotel loyalty programs.

General travel cards are more flexible than co-branded airline or hotel credit cards, which is a big plus for travelers who aren't loyal to a particular brand or who travel to destinations with fewer options for hotels or airports. Cardholders can worry less about blackout dates or other travel restrictions because rewards are not tied to a sole provider.

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards offer perks that are especially useful to frequent flyers. They can be co-branded, meaning you earn rewards with a particular airline.

Airline cards can deliver a more economical, comfortable flying experience. Benefits often include free checked bags, priority boarding, complimentary or discounted access to airport lounges, and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

Hotel credit cards are generally most valuable when used to book eligible accommodations. Co-branded hotel credit cards work best for loyal guests of a specific hotel group. If you regularly stay at properties within a hotel group, you can earn rewards that you can use for free nights at participating hotels.

Choosing the Best Travel Card

Before you begin searching for a travel card, think about your travel preferences. Do you prefer to use one airline or do you enjoy the flexibility to choose different airlines? You also want to consider if you want a straighforward rewards program or if you're willing to navigate a complex program to get more enticing rewards.

To find a travel card that meets your needs, evaluate each card using the following criteria:

1. Pick the right travel rewards program for you .

Your travel credit card will work in conjunction either with the loyalty program of an airline or hotel chain or with the issuer's rewards program. Each program has unique terms and conditions for earning, redeeming and transferring points.

Airline loyalty programs: For some travelers, loyalty to any particular airline lasts only as long as that airline offers the cheapest flights. But frequent flyers might be willing to forgo initial cost savings in exchange for benefits later.

Which airline program works best for you depends on how frequently you fly with the airline and how much value you can get from your rewards. Also consider how active the airline is at the airport you're planning to use. If that airport isn't the main hub of your favorite airline, figure out if there are still enough flights to make the card worthwhile. Highly rated airline rewards programs include:

• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
• Delta SkyMiles.
• HawaiianMiles.
• United MileagePlus.

Hotel loyalty programs: As with airline cards, choosing a credit card from a hotel group you regularly patronize is likely to offer the best value for earning and redeeming rewards. Highly rated hotel rewards programs include:

• IHG One Rewards.
• Marriott Bonvoy.
• World of Hyatt.
• Wyndham Rewards.

General travel rewards programs: Using a general travel credit card can earn you rewards that can be redeemed for a statement credit or through the issuer's travel portal, or transferred to partners. Many of these programs also have redemption options for gift cards, experiences and more. Examples:

• American Express Membership Rewards.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Which is the right choice? If you're loyal to a particular hotel group or airline and want to earn rewards while taking advantage of brand-specific benefits, a co-branded airline or hotel card is the way to go.

But if you travel infrequently or with many different airlines, or simply want more flexibility, a general travel card may be a better choice.

2. Calculate earning potential.

Travel cards can earn rewards at different rates for spending in different categories, so analyze your spending habits to determine which card will provide the highest rewards value. A good travel card will have a range of purchases that qualify as travel spending, which may include flights, hotels and car rentals.

Depending on the card, these purchases can earn two points/miles per dollar or more. Other purchases may earn one point/mile per dollar or more.

3. Factor in sign-up bonuses.

Some travel cards offer bonuses for meeting a spending threshold within a few months of opening an account. These bonuses can be worth hundreds of dollars.

4. Calculate redemption value.

The value of your points or miles depends on your card as well as your preferences and priorities.

For general travel cards, point valuation may be as simple as the number of points multiplied by the redemption rate, often 1 cent per point. Point value can also vary depending on whether the issuer uses dynamic pricing, which can depend on other factors, such as demand for the date you've chosen.

Award travel booked through airline or hotel loyalty programs can get more complicated. The number of points or miles needed to book can depend on factors such as destination, fare or hotel class, demand, and other factors. And rewards values aren't consistent across all programs: You might be able to redeem a point or mile for a value of 2 cents with one program or less than 1 cent with another.

5. Subtract annual fees.

The average annual fee for travel credit cards is about $139, according to U.S. News research. Credit card companies sometimes entice new users by waiving the annual fee for the first year.

Once the fee kicks in, be sure you're earning enough rewards or enjoying the other card benefits to more than just compensate for it. Also, about a third of travel cards don't carry an annual fee.

6. Understand travel benefits.

Travel benefits can be practical tools, discounted pricing or luxe perks. Benefits can include no foreign transaction fees, access to concierge or customer service assistance, a free checked bag – and sometimes, a free checked bag for one or more traveling companions. Air travel is frequently disrupted these days, and some travel credit cards offer travel cancellation insurance as well as coverage for lost baggage.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , for example, comes with trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and more.

7. Avoid foreign transaction fees.

Many travel cards don't charge a foreign transaction fee, which is typically 3% on every purchase in a foreign currency or country. Because these fees can outweigh any rewards you earn, frequent international travelers will want to make this card feature a top priority.

Compare Credit Cards

You can compare cards side-by-side, plus get info about rewards, points, interest rates, and how to apply — all in one place.

How to Redeem Travel Points

Each travel rewards credit card has its own rewards program. The rewards program will highlight the rewards rate, explain any tiered categories and outline redemption options. Be sure you understand the rewards program for your credit card so you can maximize your benefit.

You can find out how much you've earned in rewards by logging into your account or referring to your card's monthly billing statement. Here's a brief summary of what to expect when you redeem rewards, but note that specific details vary by credit card issuer.

Redeeming Travel Points on a General Travel Card

Redemption options might include using points or miles to pay for airfare, getting a statement credit, receiving free hotel nights or buying merchandise on discount.

One of the best features of a general travel card is that you have flexibility to choose the airline that meets your needs. Some general travel cards also have their own travel portal where you might get more value for each mile or point redeemed.

Log into your account and you'll find redemption options as well as directions for redeeming your rewards. Many general travel rewards cards have airline partnerships, which gives you many options when booking your travel.

Redeeming Points With an Airline Credit Card

An airline-branded credit card often comes with generous rewards and excellent benefits, including in-flight credits, priority boarding, waived baggage fees, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency assistance.

The method for redeeming airline-branded credit cards will vary by issuer, but you can usually redeem them online or by phone. Some airline-branded cards allow you to redeem miles on their page. For specific details, go to the credit card's homepage for instructions.

Some airline cards use dynamic pricing, which means award rates can vary throughout the month. With these airline credit cards, flexibility with travel dates can help you get the most value from your miles.

Redeeming Points With a Hotel Credit Card

Hotel-branded credit cards are best for those who are loyal to a specific hotel group. Hotel cards often come with generous rewards, including tiered rewards, and perks. Redemption options might include using your points for free or discounted hotel stays, hotel services and upgrades, gift cards and airfare.

Similar to airline cards, some hotel cards use dynamic pricing, so award values can vary depending on changes in demand for a date or time. Your rewards will be worth less during a period of high demand.

How to Compare Travel Credit Cards

You're unlikely to find the perfect travel credit card, but if you take time to compare several cards, you're going to find a card that meets most of your needs.

• Credit score: Rewards credit cards require good credit scores, so know your credit score before you start comparing cards. This way, you won't spend time looking at cards you're unlikely to qualify for. By focusing on cards you might get approved for, you also protect your score. Each time you apply for a credit card, you can lose up to five points off your score.
• Annual fees: Many travel rewards cards have annual fees. The more generous the rewards and perks, the higher the annual fee. Be sure the amount of rewards you expect to earn far outweighs the annual fee.
• Sign-up bonus: Most travel rewards cards offer enticing sign-up bonuses. Usually, there's a spending requirement you have to meet within the first three months or so. Read the terms, because every travel card has its own requirements.
• Foreign transaction fees: If you travel overseas and make purchases, businesses may charge foreign transaction fees. The fee is usually around 3% of your bill. Using a credit card that waives these fees will save you a lot of money.
• Purchase APR: Rewards cards, as already noted, have higher interest rates. While it's always prudent to compare APRs among credit cards, it's important that you never carry a balance with a rewards card. Due to the high rate and compound interest, you can slip into debt quickly.
• Rewards programs: Take time to review the programs of the cards you're considering. Some cards have simple programs, but others are complex. Comparing rewards programs is a great way to see which cards offer rewards that match up well with your spending style.
• Benefits and perks: The best travel credit cards not only have generous rewards, but also come with excellent benefits, such as waived baggage fees, airport lounge access, lost baggage insurance, airline fee credits, travel cancellation insurance and much more. Decide what benefits are important to you and see which credit card is the best match.

As I said, you won't find your credit card soulmate, but if you compare travel cards, you'll find the one that will make you the happiest.

Pros and Cons

For the right consumer, travel credit cards can make a lot of financial sense, but make sure you know the advantages and disadvantages of these cards.

• Better earning rates and higher redemption value for travel. Travel credit cards can accrue points and miles at higher rates on travel-related spending than other rewards credit cards. When cardholders redeem those rewards for travel, they could get more value out of them than if they redeemed them for other rewards, such as cash back , statement credits or gift cards.
• May not charge foreign transaction fees. A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge on every purchase made using a credit card in a foreign country or foreign currency. The fees are typically 3% of every purchase. So if you have an international trip planned, a travel rewards credit card that waives foreign transaction fees can save you a lot of money.
• Sign-up bonuses. Lucrative sign-up bonuses are common among travel credit cards and are typically available to new cardholders who hit a minimum spending amount within the first few months.
• Potentially high annual fees. Most travel rewards credit cards have an annual fee. Fees can range from a low $39 to fees that exceed $500. Premium travel cards provide premium benefits, and that's reflected in their annual fees. If the travel card is a good match for you, the annual fee might be worth it.
• Possible complexity and restrictions. Travel credit cards can also cost you time. Some travel cards require lots of planning or working with customer service to navigate blackout dates, limited seat availability or confusing terms and conditions. Depending on the travel card, there can also be caps and expiration dates on points or miles. And, of course, bonus points from airline and hotel cards may be restricted to redemption with certain brands or qualifying partners.
• Low value for infrequent travelers. If you don't travel regularly, then you'll want to make sure that the rewards and benefits you're getting from the card are outweighing the annual fee.

How to Maximize Travel Rewards

• Pick the right travel card. When you're starting out with travel cards, select one with a general rewards program that gives you the flexibility to earn rewards for all spending and redeem with the largest variety of brands. Unless you spend a lot with a particular travel brand, co-branded airline and hotel cards aren't the best choice to start.
• Combine a general travel card with a co-branded card. Used in tandem with a general travel card, a co-branded airline card or a hotel card makes sense for frequent travelers who are comfortable committing to one travel brand. This combination allows you to use the co-branded card to earn bonus points on purchases with your preferred brand and to use the general travel card to earn bonus points in other categories.
• Apply for a card before a planned large purchase to reach your sign-up bonus. The best way to guarantee that you'll get your sign-up bonus is to activate a new travel rewards card before you'll be making a lot of purchases (a family vacation, for instance).
• Use your travel credit card to pick up the tab. Does your card give you extra points for dining? You can offer to pick up the tab the next time you go out with friends. So long as they pay you back, it's worth it to get more of those sweet, sweet rewards points .

Travel Cards vs. Cash Back Cards

Nate Hellman

If you're not sure whether a travel card or cash back card is the best fit for you, there is good news: You can get a card that offers great travel rewards and solid cash back. There is overlap between the best cash back credit cards and the best travel credit cards.

There are cash back credit cards that come with travel rewards, but many others focus on rewards for everyday expenses. Take a look at your spending habits and decide which benefits you'll enjoy most before picking a card.

And if you're like me, you'll want to have both a travel credit card and a cash back card. I use several rewards cards strategically, and I usually travel for free. It's simply a matter of knowing your rewards programs and using the right rewards card at the appropriate time. This way, you maximize your rewards!

What Are Some Alternatives to Getting a Travel Credit Card?

• Use a cash back rewards credit card. Many cash back rewards cards offer significant cash back for everyday purchases, and some offer travel benefits such as rental car protection and travel insurance.
• Join a frequent flyer program. Many major airlines offer rewards for booking its flights, spending through its travel partners and shopping with select retailers. These points may have no caps and offer redemption options such as flights, exclusive vacations, premium drinks and cabin upgrades.
• Sign up for a hotel loyalty program. Hotel loyalty programs offer various incentives, such as exclusive rates, late checkout and bonus points, for keeping your overnight stays within its family of properties. Be sure to book your stays directly with the hotel and not a third-party service to rack up bonus points, then redeem for perks such as free drinks, spa packages and free nights.

U.S. News Survey

U.S. News Survey: More Than Two-Thirds of Respondents Say Recent Financial Events Have Affected Their Summer Plans

According to a May U.S. News survey, inflation and recent stock market drops have put a crimp in many people's summer travel plans. Almost 21% of respondents are cutting the number of trips they plan to take, while another 21.7% are reducing their travel budgets. Only 28.8% of respondents say they aren't changing their plans at all. While the past two years of summer travel have been seriously disrupted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, most respondents say they aren't planning to make up for lost time and splurge. Though 30.1% say they plan to spend more on travel compared with pre-pandemic vacations, 43% say they plan to spend less, and 26.9% plan to spend about the same amount. Respondents are also fairly split on how much COVID-19 will affect their plans. For 31.9% of respondents, it's a moderate consideration, but 28.2% of respondents say they aren't thinking about COVID-19 at all. A smaller percentage, 15.9% of respondents, say the coronavirus is a major consideration, and it has dictated their destination or transportation plans.

Additional Survey Insights

Most respondents plan to take either one (36.6%) or two (36.7%) vacations this summer.

Only 14.6% of respondents say they plan to travel internationally this summer, while 25.7% of respondents plan to stay in the same state., roughly two-thirds of respondents plan to travel by car, and about one-third plan to travel by air. a limited number of people are traveling by rail, boat or bus., a large majority of respondents, 61.2%, plan to pay for their trips with savings. in contrast, 13% of respondents plan to add the costs to their credit card balances, and 5.6% plan to use a buy now, pay later plan., over half of the respondents (54.2%) plan to spend $1,000 or less per person per trip., there are two summer travel trends that are especially popular: 30.6% of respondents are taking a multigenerational trip with their families, and 31.1% of respondents are taking a vacation focused on self-care and wellness., the most popular type of credit card for traveling is none at all – 28.7% of respondents say they don't plan on using one., people aren't earning that much in rewards with their credit cards. the largest group of respondents, 28.2%, say they've earned $350 or less in rewards in the past 12 months., if respondents did get a travel credit card, 40.8% say the most important secondary benefit would be free checked bags..

Survey Results

• U.S. News ran a nationwide survey of 1,211 respondents through PureSpectrum between May 19 and May 23, 2022. Only people who planned to travel this summer answered questions.
• The survey sample drew from the general American population, and the survey was configured to be representative of this sample.
• The survey asked 12 questions relating to summer travel and spending.

Best Credit Cards for Travel Methodology

U.S. News has been helping consumers make money decisions for decades. The Best Travel Credit Cards are selected based on ease and flexibility of rewards redemption, travel rewards earning rate, rewards redemption value, annual fee, APR, sign-up bonus value, cardholder benefits, foreign transaction fee and balance transfer fee. Cards are also scored on U.S. News' overall issuer satisfaction rating.

To qualify as one of the best travel credit cards, a card must earn bonus travel rewards, including general travel, airline or hotel. Remember to consider your spending and travel habits as you compare travel cards so you can find the best credit card for you.

Can You Get Travel Rewards for Business Travel?

If you are an entrepreneur, a small-business owner or have a side hustle, you have more options to consider. You can keep all of your spending on one travel rewards credit card to consolidate your points. Alternatively, you can open a separate business credit card . Business cards typically have different rewards categories that might be more beneficial to you.

What Credit Score Is Needed for a Travel Credit Card?

Travel credit cards require good to excellent credit , with a typical minimum credit score of 670.

Is There a Difference Between Points and Miles on a Credit Card?

There is a difference, but it's a minor one. Miles are the reward unit for airline credit cards, while points are the reward unit for hotel and general credit cards. The important thing to check is how easy it is to redeem your points or miles once you earn them.

Should I Get a Separate Credit Card Just for Travel?

[READ: What Does Your Credit Card Number Mean? ]

What Are the Best Travel Credit Card Perks?

The best travel credit card perks for you will depend on your priorities when you travel. If you’re a frequent flyer, for example, you might want a card that gets you airport lounge access and covers the fee for TSA PreCheck. If you instead prioritize hotel stays, you can look for perks such as late checkout.

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Beverly Harzog , Credit Card Expert

Beverly Harzog  is a nationally recognized personal finance and credit card expert for U.S. News & World Report. She’s the bestselling and award-winning author of five personal finance books. Harzog puts her expertise to practice in her personal life by saving thousands every year on travel and everyday expenses by using a combination of credit cards in various categories. Read more

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Credit Cards

Best travel credit cards of April 2024

Robin Saks Frankel

Megan Horner

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 4:54 a.m. UTC April 1, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

The best credit cards for travel set themselves apart from other credit cards by offering an array of benefits that make it easier and more rewarding to explore the world. These travel credit card offerings provide generous rewards and perks tailored to the needs of those on the go.

We analyzed a broad swath of credit cards in this category, from a variety of issuers, to curate a list of the very best travel credit cards for 2024. Here are our selections.

Best travel credit cards

• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best travel card for premium airline perks.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best travel credit card for boosted redemption value.
• Bilt World Elite Mastercard® : Best travel credit card for renters.
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best travel credit card for commuters.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card* : Best credit card for travel.
• United℠ Explorer Card  *: Best low-cost travel credit credit card for airline benefits.
• The World of Hyatt Credit Card  *: Best low-cost travel credit card for hotels.
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card  *: Best travel credit card for elite hotel status.
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card  *: Best travel card credit for road warriors.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 85+ cards analyzed.
• 8 data points considered.
• 5-step fact-checking process.

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 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, 60,000 points are worth $750 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

Best travel card for premium airline perks

The platinum card® from american express.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

• Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
• Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
• Generous travel and purchase protections.
• High annual fee and spending requirements.
• Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
• Annual statement credits have limited use.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, 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.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $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.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: 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 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, 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.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. 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.

Best travel credit card for boosted redemption value

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

• Up to $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select lounge access.
• Redeem points for 50% more value to book travel through Chase Travel ℠ .
• Transfer points 1:1 to partners such as United Airlines and World of Hyatt.
• High annual fee.
• Not ideal if you aren’t interested in transferring points.
• May not qualify if you’ve applied for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 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, 60,000 points are worth $900 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®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more

Best travel credit card for renters

Bilt world elite mastercard®.

• Earns rewards on rent payments.
• No transaction fee for paying rent by credit card.
• No annual fee or foreign currency conversion fee.
• You must make five transactions per billing period to earn rewards.
• No welcome bonus or intro APR period.
• Restrictive definition of what counts as a travel purchase.
• $0 annual fee
• Earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotels, car rental agencies, and cruise lines), 1x points on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year) and 1x points on other purchases
• Earn double points on the first of the month (i.e. 6X points on dining, 4X on travel and 2X on other purchases; except rent)
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
• Cellular Telephone Protection
• Purchase Security (theft and damage protection)
• Concierge Service
• Lyft Credits
• No foreign currency conversion fee
• Rewards & benefits terms
• Select ‘Apply Now’ to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions.

Best travel credit card with a low annual fee

Best travel credit card for commuters, wells fargo autograph℠ card.

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

• Generous rewards rate across a wide range of categories.
• No annual fee.
• Introductory APR period on purchases.
• Minimal cardholder perks compared to other cards.
• Potentially high purchase APR after the introductory period.
• Lacks an intro APR period on balance transfers.
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• 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.

Best credit card for travel

Capital one venture x rewards credit card.

The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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.

• High reward potential.
• Wide selection of statement credits.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• No hotel or airline-specific benefits.
• Requires excellent credit.
• Annual fee: $395.
• Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
• Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• APR: 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers .
• Other perks and benefits: No foreign transaction fees, 10,000 mile card ownership anniversary bonus, $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application reimbursement credit, airport lounge access benefits, cellphone protection benefit, transfer miles to travel and hotel partners, Hertz President’s Circle Status.

Best low-cost travel credit credit card for airline benefits

United℠ explorer card.

The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

• Reasonable annual fee.
• Ability to earn elite status via credit card spending.
• Access to United Saver awards.
• United miles are more limited in use than transferable rewards like Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Benefits are not useful for those who don’t often fly United.
• Very limited airport lounge access.
• Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on dining including eligible delivery services, hotel stays and United purchases and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• APR: 21.99% to 28.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies .
• Perks and benefits: Free first checked bag for the primary cardmember and one travel companion, priority boarding for the primary cardmember and travel companions on the same reservation, two annual United Club passes, complimentary Premier Upgrades on award tickets for MileagePlus Premier members and one companion on the same reservation, earn 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) for every $12,000 spent, up to a maximum of 1,000 PQP per calendar year, 25% back on United in-flight purchases, up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every four years.
• Foreign transaction fees: $0.

Best low-cost travel credit card for hotels

The world of hyatt credit card.

The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

• High rewards potential on hotel bookings through Hyatt.
• Points don’t expire.
• Free night certificate each year.
• There’s a $95 annual fee.
• Hyatt doesn’t have as expansive a footprint as Marriott and Hilton.
• Annual fee: $95.
• Rewards: 9 points total per $1 at Hyatt — 4 points at Hyatt hotels and 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2 points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 points per $1 total on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (then 1 point).
• APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies .
• Perks and benefits: One free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your card opening anniversary, plus an extra free night if you spend $15,000 on the card throughout the year, one year of no-extra-charge DashPass, automatic Discoverist status and credits toward the next level of World of Hyatt elite status, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, Visa Signature Concierge and purchase protection.

Best travel credit card for elite hotel status

Hilton honors american express aspire card.

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.

• High rewards rates on Hilton bookings, flights and dining.
• Annual credits and complimentary Diamond status.
• A free night each calendar year with the potential to earn two additional nights after required spend.
• High $550 annual fee.
• Hilton points often have a lower redemption value than competing programs.
• May require significant effort to take advantage of the annual credits.
• Annual fee: $550.
• Rewards : 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: 175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.
• Perks and benefits: Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, annual free night reward with the opportunity to earn a second free night after spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year and an additional night after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, up to $400 in statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually each calendar year) for eligible purchases through participating Hilton resorts, up to $200 airfare statement credit (up to $50 per quarter) on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com, up to $100 in property credit when you book a two-night minimum stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts or Conrad Hotels & Resorts, (enrollment required for select benefits).
• APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases
• Foreign transaction fees: None.

Best travel card credit for road warriors

Wyndham rewards earner® plus card.

The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn 100,000 bonus points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.

• High rewards rates on Wyndham hotel stays, gas and groceries.
• Valuable welcome bonus and account anniversary bonus points.
• Automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum status.
• $75 annual fee.
• Redemptions other than Wyndham bookings likely to offer subpar value.
• Lacking in travel and purchase protections.
• Annual fee: $75.
• Rewards: 6 points per $1 on Hotels By Wyndham and gas purchases, 4 points per $1 on restaurants and grocery purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: 100,000 points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
• APR: 0% intro APR on Wyndham Timeshare purchases made in the first 6 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 20.99%, 25.24% or 30.24% on purchases and balance transfers. A 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made within the first 45 days is applicable for the first 15 months. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies .
• Foreign transaction fees: 0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
• Perks and benefits: Wyndham Rewards Platinum status, annual bonus of 7,500 points, 10% discount when redeeming for go free® awards.

Compare the best credit cards for travel

Why this card made the list

The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees ) offers the most widespread lounge access benefits of any card on the market. While the high price point may be prohibitive for some, consider that the card offers more than a $1,000 value in potential statement credits. Among its most notable are up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, an up to $200 airline incidental fee statement credit per calendar year (applicable to one qualifying airline of your choice) and an up to $240 digital entertainment statement credit that can be used toward certain streaming services. Enrollment is required to enjoy these benefits.

• Annual fee: $695.
• Rewards: Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Foreign transaction fee: None.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® ‘s $550 annual fee can be offset by an up to $300 annual travel credit, access to airport lounges via Chase Sapphire Lounges and the Priority Pass Select network (enrollment required), food delivery service memberships, 1:1 points transfer to a long list of airline and hotel loyalty program partners and generous protections for travel, car rentals and purchases.

In addition to a slew of benefits, the Chase Ultimate Rewards® points earned on this card can be redeemed at a 50% increase in value when used to book travel through Chase Travel. So for example, 100,000 points on this card can be redeemed for $1,500 worth of travel booked through the issuer , helping you stretch the value of your rewards even further.

• Annual fee: $550 plus $75 per authorized user.
• Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• Foreign transaction fee: $0.

Here’s how two of the top cards compare to each other. Capital One Venture X vs. the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is one-of-a-kind in that it allows cardholders to earn rewards on paying rent, without any additional transaction fees. Add in more than a dozen airline and hotel transfer partners, a long list of travel protections and other perks and this no-annual-fee card is one of the best travel cards on the market. You can even save up your Bilt Rewards toward a future down payment on a home.

• Annual fee: $0.
• Rewards: 1 point per $1 on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each year), 2 points per $1 on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), 3 points per $1 on dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. At least five transactions must be made per statement period to earn these rewards.
• Welcome bonus: None.
• Foreign currency conversion fee: None.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers generous rewards on travel and dining and a straightforward redemption program. It’s an excellent choice for both frequent and aspiring travelers looking to maximize their everyday spending.

Card perks include an annual bonus point award equal to 10% of total purchases made in the past year, the ability to transfer points 1:1 to Chase’s travel loyalty partners and a long list of travel and purchase protections including primary auto rental coverage. Plus, rewards on this card are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel ℠ . You’d be hard-pressed to find another travel card that packs more punch in an affordable package.

• Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has a wide range of high reward categories and those earnings can be redeemed as a statement credit, used to book travel or redeemed for gift cards with multiple merchants.

The card also comes with cellphone protection and some travel and purchase protections. While it doesn’t offer the travel benefits of a premium travel rewards credit card, there are no foreign currency conversion fees and, as a Visa Signature® card, it comes with access to the benefits and perks of the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.

• Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers great value with its lineup of travel credits, including a $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel, Capital One’s online travel agency. Among its many benefits, the card offers airport lounge access, cellphone protection¹ and the ability to transfer miles to airline and hotel partners. The rewards earned on this card don’t expire and bookings made with Capital One aren’t subject to blackout dates. Card ownership also comes with Hertz President’s Circle status².

• Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
• Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

The United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a jumbo jet’s worth of United Airlines benefits including a free first checked bag perk, priority boarding on United-operated flights and 25% back as a statement credit on United in-flight purchases. The card also reimburses application fees up to $100 for either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every four years and offers a one-year complimentary DashPass membership. United fans who don’t want to pay for the pricier cards in the United card lineup should consider this card, as the benefits can outweigh the cost of the annual fee.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card * The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. stands out among cobranded hotel cards for its earning power and access to ongoing brand benefits at a fairly low cost. Hyatt’s rewards program often provides better redemption values than other hotel reward programs, allowing you to maximize your points potential. The card also offers a free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort after every cardmember anniversary. This perk alone can be worth much more than the annual fee.

• Rewards: Earn 9 points total per $1 at Hyatt — 4 points at Hyatt hotels and 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2 points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 points per $1 total on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (then 1 point).

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) is the only cobranded hotel card on the market that confers the highest elite status with card ownership. You won’t have to stay a single night to get the Hilton Honors Diamond status that comes with card ownership, but when you do, that status will give you access to room upgrades where available and a daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region), among other perks like resort credits and airfare statement credits, plus an annual free night award each year of card membership.

• Rewards: Earn 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card * The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a rewards structure tailor-made for those frequently on the road or visiting small towns, offering high rewards on Wyndham-branded hotels and filling up at the gas pump. The card offers complimentary Platinum status, which is the second highest tier in the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. This status level grants flexible check-in and check-out times and preferred room choice. Plus, the card also comes with an intro offer for those interested in owning a Wyndham timeshare.

• Foreign transaction fee: 0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of travel credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We factored the following into our analysis:

• Annual fees.
• Travel reward rates.
• Value of rewards.
• Redemption options.
• Additional benefits that a card may offer for travelers, such as travel insurance.

How do travel credit cards work?

A travel credit card is typically a card that earns points or miles on your spending, and those rewards are usually worth the most when redeemed for travel. Generally, there are two types of travel rewards cards: Ones that earn a specific currency tied to a brand, like Delta SkyMiles or Hilton Honors points and cards that earn “flexible” rewards that can be used to book travel across several hotels and airlines.

Many travel credit cards also come with perks for travelers, like a free checked bag for your flight, a free annual hotel night or a credit towards the application fee for a trusted traveler program like Global Entry or TSA Precheck.

“Travel rewards cards are a great way to leverage personal and business card use and turn it into free airline tickets and hotel rooms. Be sure to choose a card that has rewards that are applicable to your preferred airline and hotel brands”, says John Ulzheimer, owner of The Ulzheimer Group and nationally recognized credit expert.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or are just looking for an occasional getaway, there’s likely a travel rewards card out there that can help you maximize your savings.

How to travel for cheaper with travel cards in 2024

New year, new travel possibilities. What’s more, it’s entirely possible to travel for cheaper by maximizing your credit card strategy with the right travel cards in hand. There are droves of rewards cards to choose from, so it can be hard to choose the right one for you.

Travel credit cards earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars and more, helping you subsidize the cost of your trip expenses. Beyond earning rewards, some cards even come with airport lounge access or credits to offset your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. 

For many travelers, a one-punch solution is the best fit. We’re talking about general travel credit cards , which earn rewards through a bank like American Express, Capital One, Chase, or Citi and don’t tie you to a specific airline or hotel program. Instead, the cardholder has the choice to redeem their earnings how they please toward any travel purchase. 

Best places to travel with rewards in 2024

While a European summer vacation never goes out of style, traveling during the shoulder season is the true winner. With fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations and pleasant weather, a spring break trip to Portugal next year should be on your list.

If you’ve got travel rewards cards from American Express, Bilt, Capital One, Chase or Citi, you can transfer your points or miles over to the Air Canada Aeroplan program. You can book a nonstop, business class flight from Miami (MIA) to Lisbon (LIS) in March for just 70,000 miles one way.

There’s so much to love about Costa Rica, from its lush jungles to the natural wildlife. Plus, this Central American country is quite accessible from many states in the U.S. With two main international airports — Liberia (LIR) and San José (SJO), the toughest decision you’ll need to make is which part of Costa Rica to visit. 

Many major U.S. airlines fly to Costa Rica, so redeeming your rewards for a flight shouldn’t be too difficult depending on where your loyalty lies. For example, United Airlines offers a flight from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Liberia (LIR) with a layover in Houston (IAH). You’ll pay just 20,000 MileagePlus miles one-way — even during the peak winter season. 

One of the best ways to fly the whole family to Hawaii is by setting your sights on the British Airways Avios program. Earning points is a breeze: You can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards®, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Citi ThankYou® Points or Capital One Miles to this program at a simple 1:1 ratio.

Because British Airways is part of the Oneworld airline alliance, you can redeem your Avios for partner airlines like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Both of these carriers offer plenty of routes to the Aloha State. 

Nonstop routes are priced favorably for just 13,000 Avios plus $5.60 in taxes and fees for a one way flight from the West Coast. Depending on when you’re traveling, you may also be able to find multiple award seats per flight. This is great news for big families.

Types of travel credit cards

Travel rewards credit cards can be a great way to earn more value on your next vacation or business trip. They often provide a wide range of benefits, from travel and purchase protections to airfare and hotel redemptions.

Understanding the different types of travel rewards cards is the first step to finding the right card for you. There are several major classifications:

Airline-specific cards 

The best airline credit cards offer exclusive discounts and rewards when you use them with a specific airline. Many also offer free companion tickets or priority boarding benefits. Examples include: The United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the JetBlue Plus Card * The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and the Aeroplan® Credit Card * The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . 

Hotel-specific cards

These cards may give you access to exclusive discounts at certain hotel chains and resorts, as well as rewards to be redeemed for free nights or upgrades. Hotel loyalty status is a common benefit among the best hotel credit cards . Examples include: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (terms apply).

Flexible points cards

These cards allow you to earn points for every dollar spent that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel bookings. Often issued by major issuers with online travel booking portals, these cards may also allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel partners, providing the most flexibility when it comes to redemptions. Examples include: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® .

Co-branded travel cards vs. general travel cards

A co-branded travel card is one that earns specific rewards with a specific brand. For example, the United Explorer card only earns United’s MileagePlus miles and the World of Hyatt card only earns Hyatt points.

General travel cards earn rewards that can be redeemed in a variety of ways for multiple types of travel. For example, the Venture X card earns miles that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels, cruises and other types of travel.

Co-branded cards typically earn higher rewards for purchases made within the brand and general travel cards tend to earn rewards that can be redeemed for more types of travel.

How to compare and choose the best travel rewards card

When it comes to choosing the right card for your needs, there are several factors to consider:

• What type of rewards do you want to earn? Do you want points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses? Or do you prefer cash back on all your purchases? Different cards offer different types of rewards, so it’s important to pick one that best suits your needs.
• Does the card come with a good welcome bonus? Many cards offer a generous welcome bonus (sometimes called a sign-up bonus) when you make a certain amount of purchases in the first few months of receiving the card. This can be an easy way to get an infusion of rewards when you first open your account — but when calculating a card’s value, remember the welcome bonus is a one-time deal. 
• Are you willing to pay the annual fee and any additional fees associated with the card? Some cards have no annual fee, while others have a high annual fee but offer more generous rewards or benefits. Make sure you understand all the fees before making a decision so that you don’t end up paying more than you’d like.
• Does it come with any additional benefits that offer value? Card perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access or exclusive discounts and offers can help make your travel smoother and your card more cost effective.

What is Priority Pass and how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know about this airport lounge network .

Evaluating if a travel credit card is right for you

Consider how you like to travel and what you’re looking to achieve with a new travel card. Before you shell out a high annual fee for a perk-laden card, consider if the benefits it comes with are ones you’d actually use. If you rarely travel and are considering saving up over a long period of time for a trip, keep in mind that rewards don’t earn interest, and in fact often lose value over time and may even expire. It’s generally best practice not to sit on your rewards for too long.

Flexible rewards vs airline or hotel credit cards

For those who travel often but don’t have a particular brand loyalty, the best travel card is likely one that earns flexible rewards on every purchase. Flexible rewards are not tied to a specific airline or hotel loyalty program but rather a card issuer’s travel agency redemption program. Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards® are two examples, but Capital One offers Miles, Citi offers ThankYou® Points and other major issuers have similar reward programs.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards offer rewards tied to a loyalty program with the airline or hotel, and typically offer better value with that carrier or brand, but not as much flexibility with redemption options. Only apply for a card like these if you’re sure the brand is the one you want.

If you only take an occasional trip, then a different type of reward card may be a better choice. 

Cash-back cards offer simpler reward redemptions and the rewards earned can still be used toward future trips or redeemed for gift cards or other rewards if travel remains a priority.

Evaluating reward potential

We evaluate the reward potential of travel rewards credit cards based on what we’d expect a household in the 50th percentile of wage earners to spend each year on a credit card. We gather these figures from the government and other publicly available data. 

In a year, we expect a household might make about $84,352 and spend about $25,087 of this on a credit card. Of this credit card spending, we’d expect about $2,941 to be spent on overall travel — which breaks down as $1,188 spent on airfare, $868 spent on hotels and $885 spent on all other travel. For frequent travelers carrying high-annual-fee travel rewards cards — like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , which charges an annual fee of $395 — we expect about twice this much spending in the travel categories. 

The Capital One Venture X earns 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 in annual expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card. Here’s how our sample household would fare with the Capital One Venture X Card:

The cardholder in this example earns a grand total of 85,350 miles annually, which is worth $853.50 if used to book travel through Capital One or when eligible travel is booked elsewhere and you redeem your miles to cover the purchase. 

The right travel card can net you lucrative rewards. But make sure to select a card based on your spending and travel habits — the best card for travel will differ from person to person.

Pros and cons of travel cards

Pros: reasons to consider a travel card.

• Travel rewards can be easy to earn with a credit card. Use your travel credit card to pay for everyday expenses and earn rewards you can use for travel.
• Can lower the out-of-pocket cost of travel. Whether you use your points to pay for airfare, nights at a hotel or for a rental car, redeeming your earnings for travel can significantly reduce the cost of a trip.
• Free nights, checked bags and other perks. Many cobranded credit cards come with a free night perk or waive the fees for checking luggage, both of which can save you money and may be worth more than the cost of the card itself.
• May enable you to have a travel experience you might not have had otherwise. Stories abound of people who have used their credit card rewards to take over-the-top luxury trips. Even if an overwater villa in the Maldives is not within reach or something you’re interested in, having enough points for a free flight or hotel may be enough incentive to nudge you towards taking a trip to a new city or to see family and friends in far-flung places.

Cons: Why a travel card might not make sense for you

• Top travel cards often carry ultra-high annual fees. If you end up getting a travel card with an expensive price tag, you’ll have to put in the work to maximize credits and benefits to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth from the card.
• Travel programs can be complicated. Many points-and-miles programs can be complex and take some time to understand how to get the most out of your rewards.
• Cash-back redemptions may be a poor option. Most travel cards are designed to offer the best value from using your rewards to book more travel, which may have you caught in a loop of having to spend even more money on travel. A cash-back card might be better for some, as it allows you to spend those earnings on anything you’d like, travel or otherwise.

Tips for maximizing your travel credit card

There’s several ways to get the most out of your travel credit card:

• Pay your bill on time every month and aim to pay it in full. If you carry a balance, the accumulated interest fees will likely be more than the value of any rewards earned on the card.
• Try to earn the card’s welcome bonus. Many top travel cards offer outsized welcome bonuses for new cardholders who can meet a minimum spending requirement. Earning that bonus can give you a nice boost to your rewards balance.
• Be aware of the perks your card offers. Many travel cards offer discounts or statement credits for travel-related spending, like a discount within a hotel collection, cellphone insurance or elite status within a brand. Knowing what your card comes with means you can fully maximize those benefits.
• Don’t sit on your rewards for too long. Unlike money in the bank, travel rewards do not earn interest and may actually be worth less over time. The value of your rewards is often tied to the cash price of travel and travel only tends to get more expensive year-over-year.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

There’s no one “best” card that’s right for everyone. The best travel card for you will depend on a combination of factors including how often you travel, how you travel, your tolerance for annual fees and what you’re looking for in a travel card.

Generally speaking, the best travel credit cards earn bonus category rewards on airfare, hotels, car rentals and even dining. These cards typically also offer bonus points or miles when you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the account — known as a welcome bonus or welcome offer. Some will also offer perks such as travel protections, elite status in airline or hotel loyalty programs , priority boarding and airport lounge access.

The exact credit score needed for a travel rewards credit card will vary depending on the issuer and the specific card. Generally, you will need at least a good credit score, typically from 670 to 739 on the FICO Score scale — to be approved for most travel rewards cards. However, some of the more premium cards may require an excellent credit score, typically defined as a FICO Score of 740 or higher.

The most rewarding travel rewards cards, including most of the cards on this list, are not likely to offer approval to anyone without a good or better credit score. Some issuers also have rules in place preventing you from applying for a credit card, travel or otherwise, if you’ve applied for a certain number of cards within a certain period of time.

Which type of card is best for you will depend on your spending habits and your financial goals. If you’re a loyal frequent flyer at an airline, an airline rewards card might make more sense. If you spend plentifully at a specific hotel brand, you may be better suited to a hotel credit card.

If you’re not sure, or you have a wider variety of needs, a card with flexible point currencies — like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — may be a better bet.

Finally, If you’re looking for a simple way to get cash back on everyday purchases, then a cash-back credit card may be the way to go. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences — and in some cases, you might have a pattern of spending that justifies having both in your wallet.

The exact value of a point or mile earned on a travel credit card will depend on the type of point or mile and how you redeem them. In most cases you should look to get at least a penny per point of value. The reason for the variation in points value is that many airline and hotel pricing structures are dynamic and will change based on demand. The points values tend to be somewhat fixed however and this can lead to redemption values worth more – or less – than 1 cent each. Transferring rewards to airline programs when allowed and redeeming for business and first class seating can often yield greater values per point.

Travel reward credit cards earn points or miles for every dollar spent. These rewards can typically be redeemed for award travel including flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel bookings.

Some cards offer bonus points for purchases made in certain categories, such as purchases made with airlines or at grocery stores. Many cards also offer welcome bonuses for meeting certain spending requirements and provide a wide variety of travel-related protections and other benefits.

For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page .

¹For 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.

²Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

*The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, JetBlue Plus Card, The World of Hyatt Credit Card, United℠ Explorer Card and Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Megan Horner is editorial director at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has over 10 years of experience in online publishing, mostly focused on credit cards and banking. Previously, she was the head of publishing at Finder.com where she led the team to publish personal finance content on credit cards, banking, loans, mortgages and more. Prior to that, she was an editor at Credit Karma. Megan has been featured in CreditCards.com, American Banker, Lifehacker and news broadcasts across the country. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and editing.

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Key takeaways

• The top credit cards you’ll want to use abroad don’t charge foreign transaction fees and offer rewards on your spending.
• We’ve highlighted six travel cards that appeal to different types of spenders, as well as tips on how to choose the best card for you.

Credit cards can be valuable tools when you use them close to home, but they should also be an essential part of your packing list any time you travel overseas . Not only do you normally need a credit card to put down a security deposit to rent a hotel room, but you’ll likely need a credit card to rent a car, too. And if you run out of cash while on a trip, a credit card lets you charge whatever you need and pay the balance when you return home.

The best credit cards for international trips also let you avoid added fees on international transactions and earn rewards for each dollar you spend . Some even offer robust travel protections that can shield you financially if your flight is delayed or your bags are lost or stolen.

If you’re planning a trip overseas this year, here are some of the best cards to consider.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Best for international travel overall

Why we picked it : The Platinum Card® from American Express makes it easy to earn American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be used for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel purchased through the American Express Travel portal or transfers to Amex airline and hotel partners. A $695 annual fee applies, but the first-year and ongoing benefits can more than make up for it.

As a welcome offer, you can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 within six months of account opening. You’ll also earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel; 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel; and 1X points on all other purchases.

You won’t pay foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad, and this card comes with the broadest airport lounge access of all travel cards. It also includes up to a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and up to a $189 credit for CLEAR® Plus Credit membership each year. Other credits that add more value to this card include a $200 airline incidental credit each year, $200 in Uber cash (doled out in monthly increments), a $200 hotel credit on eligible Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings made through Amex and more (two-night minimum stay required). You’ll also get access to a Global Assist hotline, which can help with emergency planning if you run into legal or medical issues when you travel.

• Can transfer points to Amex airline and hotel partners
• Access to the Global lounge collection (which includes Priority Pass and Centurion lounges )
• Automatic Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required)
• Excellent travel insurance , including trip delay insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Over $1,500 in credits
• $695 annual fee
• Some of the card’s credits can be difficult to use

Who should apply : If you travel frequently and are able to use enough card benefits to make up for the cost of the annual fee , the Amex Platinum is a must-have.

Who should skip : If you don’t want to pay such a high annual fee , or if you think you won’t use the Amex Platinum’s many travel perks and benefits , it would be better to go with a different card.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for flexible rewards

Why we picked it : The Chase Sapphire Reserve® lets you earn 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening. You’ll also earn 10X points on hotel stays and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards ; 10X points on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards; 10X points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025); 5X points on air travel through Ultimate Rewards (after the $300 annual travel credit ) ; 3X points on general travel and restaurant purchases following your travel credit redemption ; and 1X points on all other purchases. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed in many ways , including cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel through the Chase portal or 1:1 points transfers to travel partners.

This card comes with some of the best travel protections of any travel credit card. Some of these benefits include primary auto rental coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay coverage, lost luggage reimbursement and emergency evacuation and transportation coverage. You’ll also get airport lounge access, up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS and a 50 percent points boost on travel redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Note that the Chase Sapphire Reserve does come with a hefty $550 annual fee .

• $300 annual travel credit
• Can transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry, up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck or NEXUS
• Airport lounge access
• Excellent travel insurance
• $550 annual fee
• Fewer travel partners than Amex

Who should apply : If you travel frequently and you’re able to make up for the cost of the annual fee through the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s many benefits , this card could be a good fit for you.

Who should skip : If you don’t travel frequently, don’t want to pay an annual fee or can’t use enough card benefits to justify the cost of card membership, you may want to look into a travel card with a lower (or no) annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Best for domestic and international travel

Why we picked it : The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers the same type of rewards as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, including the same exceptional transfer partners for both domestic and international travel. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are the only credit card points that transfer directly to the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. You can also transfer your points to partners like United MilagePlus, Air France / Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy and the highly valuable World of Hyatt program, among other options.

You’ll pay a much lower fee of $95 with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, so you’ll give up some travel perks as a result. However, this card comes with a range of important travel benefits that can be useful for international trips, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary auto rental coverage, baggage delay coverage, trip delay protection and more.

At the moment, you can even earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. Since you get a 25 percent rewards boost when you redeem for travel through the Chase portal, the bonus alone is worth $750 in airfare, hotels and more. Also note that this card lets users earn 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs); 5X points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and Lyft Rides (Lyft offer through March 31st, 2025); 2X points on other travel; and 1X points on other purchases.

• Lucrative welcome offer
• $50 annual hotel credit benefit
• 10% anniversary points boost
• Exceptional travel protections included
• Lower annual fee of $95
• No airport lounge access
• No other premium travel benefits

Who should apply : Consider this card if you want to earn flexible rewards for travel but don’t want to pay the high annual fee of some premium travel credit cards.

Who should skip : Skip this card if you want luxury perks like airport lounge access.

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

Why we picked it : If you want to earn flexible rewards and enjoy travel perks without an overly expensive annual fee, you can also consider the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which comes with a $95 annual fee. This card lets you earn 75,000 bonus miles — worth $750 in travel — after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. You’ll also earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.

We like the flat-rate rewards structure for this card because it keeps things simple. Other than earning more rewards on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One, having the chance to rack up a flat 2X miles on all your spending can help you boost your rewards haul quickly.

Rewards can be redeemed for statement credits to cover eligible travel purchases, travel through the Capital One portal or miles transfers to a handful of airline and hotel partners, among many other redemptions. This card also comes with benefits like no foreign transaction fees, and up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, travel accident insurance and extended warranty coverage. Cardholders also get two free complimentary visits to Capital One airport lounges ; these lounge visits can also be used in Capital One partner lounges, including 100+ Plaza Premium lounges.

• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• Can transfer miles to Capital One travel partners
• Two complimentary airport lounge visits per year
• Fewer travel protections than the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which also comes with a $95 annual fee
• Capital One transfer partners are typically considered less useful than Chase or Amex partners

Who should apply : If you’re interested in earning flexible rewards for any aspect of your international trip (including hotels, airfare, rental cars and trains) and want travel perks, no foreign transaction fees and a low annual fee, this card is hard to beat .

Who should skip : If you’re looking for more travel protections included, you may want to consider another low-annual-fee travel card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred .

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card: Best for no annual fee

Why we picked it : If you don’t want to pay an annual fee, consider the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card . This card comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it a great card for international travel. As a welcome offer, you can earn 25,000 points — worth $250 toward travel purchases — when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of account opening. You’ll also get a zero-interest offer on both purchases and balance transfers (note that balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days to qualify).

In terms of rewards, you’ll earn 1.5X points on all purchases , as well as 3X points on Bank of America Travel Center purchases. Plus, if you’re a   Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25 percent to 75 percent more rewards on every purchase you make. Just be aware that, instead of using these rewards to book your travel, Bank of America travel rewards are issued as statement credits on travel or dining purchases.

• No annual fee
• Zero-interest offer on purchases and balance transfers
• Visa Signature benefits like travel and emergency assistance, Visa Signature Concierge access and a lost luggage reimbursement
• Potential for boosted rewards with Preferred Rewards membership
• Limited redemption options
• No option to transfer points to travel partners
• No specific travel benefits

Who should apply : If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card that earns flat cash back and doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, this card could be a good fit for you . Plus, if you’re a Preferred Rewards member with at least Platinum or Platinum Honors status, you could earn an additional points multiplier on all purchases.

Who should skip : If you’re not a Preferred Rewards member, you may want to look into flat-rate cash back cards that offer at least 2 percent cash back on all purchases. And if you’re looking for more travel perks — but don’t want to pay a several-hundred-dollar annual fee — you may want to consider one of the top travel credit cards with a lower annual fee , like the Capital One Venture.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students: Best for students

Why we picked it : If you’re a student who wants to build your credit over time, you should check out the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students . This card lets you earn valuable rewards without paying an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, and you’ll get access to your FICO credit score each month for free.

When it comes to rewards, you’ll earn an unlimited 1.5X points on all purchases. You’ll also earn 25,000 points when you spend $1,000 on your card within 90 days of account opening. When you’re ready to cash in your points , you can redeem them for a statement credit to pay for flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, baggage fees and more at a rate of 1 cent per point. Other redemption methods include checks, direct deposits and gift cards, but these may not net as much value.

• Free FICO score
• A high, flat rewards rate on all purchases
• Can earn 25 to 75 percent more rewards as a Preferred Rewards member
• Very few travel or student benefits

Who should apply : Students who are looking to build positive credit habits and earn rewards without paying an annual fee, or students who are planning to study or travel abroad, would do well with this card.

Who should skip : If you’re looking for a card with a different rewards structure or benefits, you should take a look at some of the other top student credit cards on the market today. Many of them offer boosted rewards for bonus category purchases or student-focused benefits , plus no foreign transaction fees.

Compare the best cards for international travel

How to choose a card for international travel.

Choosing a card for international travel shouldn’t be too difficult since there are so many options available. However, these tips can help you wind up with the best card for your needs.

• Earn the rewards you want the most . First off, it’s important to pick a travel credit card that offers the type of rewards you want to earn. If you can’t decide which type of travel rewards you want, consider flexible rewards credit cards that let you earn points you can use for gift cards, statement credits, travel and more.
• Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees . You should definitely pick a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees . If you don’t pick up a card that waives foreign transaction fees, you’ll wind up paying an extra 3 percent on average for each purchase you make abroad.
• Check for airport lounge access . This perk can be immensely helpful if you hate waiting for your flight at a crowded airport gate, or if you often have a long layover. Cards that offer airport lounge access typically charge higher fees, but the free food and drinks you’ll receive can more than make up for them.
• Get a card that offers a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck . Finally, consider cards that let you get expedited security access with one of these programs. Both let you skip lines at airport security, which can easily save you hours of wait time over the course of a year.

The bottom line

Signing up for one of the top travel credit cards can make travel more convenient and affordable — both domestically and abroad — but it’s important to understand any travel card you’re interested in inside and out before you sign up. Make sure you know which cardholder perks you’ll receive, including perks that will benefit you when you travel internationally like no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, airport lounge access and more.

Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024

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Travel Credit Cards

Start your journey today by finding the best travel credit card for your future exploration needs. Compare travel rewards benefits and offers including dining perks and new cardmember bonuses for extra points or miles.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® credit card . Links to product page.

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New cardmember offer.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel SM .

AT A GLANCE

Premium dining & travel rewards Earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit. Earn 3x points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out. Earn 2x on other travel purchases.

21.49 Min. of (8.50+12.99) and 29.99 %– 28.49 Min. of (8.50+19.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$95 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Credit Card . Links to product page.

Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Credit Card card reviews (4,642 cardmember reviews) Opens overlay

60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels (excluding The Edit℠) and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.

22.49 Min. of (8.50+13.99) and 29.99 %– 29.49 Min. of (8.50+20.99) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$550 annual fee † Opens pricing and terms in new window ; $75 for each authorized user † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus Credit Card . Links to product page.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus Credit Card card reviews (2,559 cardmember reviews) Opens overlay

Earn 50,000 points after qualifying purchases.

3,000 anniversary points each year. Plus, earn 2X points on Southwest ® purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.

$69 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card . Links to product page.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card card reviews Opens overlay

Receive a $75 annual Southwest ® travel credit and 7,500 anniversary points each year. Plus, earn 3X points on Southwest purchases.

$149 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card . Links to product page.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card card reviews (3,823 cardmember reviews) Opens overlay

6,000 anniversary points each year. Plus, earn 3X points on Southwest ® purchases and 1X points on all other purchases.

$99 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United SM Explorer Card . Links to product page.

United SM Explorer Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Join Us with 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. Plus, enjoy a free first checked bag, priority boarding and other great United travel benefits. Terms apply.

21.99 Min. of (8.50+13.49) and 29.99 %– 28.99 Min. of (8.50+20.49) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Quest SM Card . Links to product page.

United Quest SM Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after qualifying purchases.

Pursue your quest SM . Enjoy a $125 annual United purchase credit, two free checked bags, priority boarding and other premium travel benefits. Plus, earn 3x miles on United purchases and 2x miles on all other travel. Terms apply.

$250 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Gateway SM Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 20,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Start your adventure with 2x miles on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. Plus, 25% back on United inflight and Club premium drink purchases, and no foreign transaction fees. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. † Opens pricing and terms in new window After the intro period, a variable APR of 21.99 Min. of (8.50+13.49) and 29.99 %– 28.99 Min. of (8.50+20.49) and 29.99 %, † Opens pricing and terms in new window see pricing and terms for more details. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

$0 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Club SM Infinite Card . Links to product page.

United Club SM Infinite Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Travel in luxury. Enjoy United Club SM membership and 2 free checked bags. Plus, earn rewards faster with 4x miles on United purchases, and 2x miles on dining and all other travel. Terms apply.

$525 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Aeroplan ® Card . Links to product page.

Aeroplan ® Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 60,000 bonus points. Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. That's enough to fly to another continent.

Earn points fast with Aeroplan. 3X points at grocery stores, on dining including take out and eligible delivery services and on purchases made directly with Air Canada. Plus, enjoy free first checked bag and other Aeroplan travel benefits.

21.74 Min. of (8.50+13.24) and 29.99 %– 28.74 Min. of (8.50+20.24) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® credit card . Links to product page.

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3 Free Night Awards Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Earn Unlimited Marriott Bonvoy ® points and get free stays faster. Earn points on every purchase and up to 17X total points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® .

$95. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful ™ credit card . Links to product page.

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85,000 Bonus Points Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

Earn Unlimited Marriott Bonvoy ® points and get free stays faster. Earn points on every purchase and up to 18.5X total points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® .

Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® credit card . Links to product page.

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Earn 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.

Earn Unlimited Marriott Bonvoy ® points and get free stays faster. Earn points on every purchase and up to 14X total points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® .

$0. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card . Links to product page.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points After you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn IHG One Rewards points on every purchase. Up to 26X points total per $1 spent when you stay at IHG ® hotels and resorts.

$99 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 80,000 Bonus Points After you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn IHG One Rewards points on every purchase. Up to 17X points total per $1 spent when you stay at IHG ® hotels and resorts.

Disney ® Premier Visa ® Card . Links to product page.

Disney ® Premier Visa ® Card card reviews Opens overlay

Disney Card Designs

$300 $400 not $300 $400 Statement Credit after you spend $1000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Dream bigger with the Disney Premier Visa Card from Chase. Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com. Earn 2% on select card purchases and 1% on all other card purchases. Redeem toward most anything Disney at most Disney U.S. locations and for a statement credit toward airline purchases. Enjoy special Disney vacation financing and Disney shopping savings. Terms apply.

19.24 Min. of (8.50+10.74) and 29.99 %‐ 28.24 Min. of (8.50+19.74) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window 0% promotional APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase, after that a variable APR of 19.24 Min. of (8.50+10.74) and 29.99 %‐ 28.24 Min. of (8.50+19.74) and 29.99 %. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

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Disney ® Visa ® Card . Links to product page.

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$150 $250 not $150 $250 Statement Credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Reward yourself with the Disney Visa Card from Chase. Earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all card purchases. Redeem toward most anything Disney at most Disney locations in the U.S. Enjoy special Disney vacation financing and Disney shopping savings. Terms apply.

19.24 Min. of (8.50+10.74) and 29.99 %– 28.24 Min. of (8.50+19.74) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window 0% promotional APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase, after that a variable APR of 19.24 Min. of (8.50+10.74) and 29.99 %– 28.24 Min. of (8.50+19.74) and 29.99 %. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

World of Hyatt Credit Card . Links to product page.

World of Hyatt Credit Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases.

Turn your purchases into more free nights at Hyatt with 9X total points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & resorts. Plus, get 1 free night and 5 tier qualifying night credits toward status each year.

British Airways Visa Signature ® card . Links to product page.

British Airways Visa Signature ® card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 75,000 Bonus Avios Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. These category purchases normally earn 1 Avios. Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia purchases, and earn 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel.

Aer Lingus Visa Signature ® card . Links to product page.

Aer Lingus Visa Signature ® card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. Normally, these category purchases earn 1 Avios. Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Iberia purchases, and 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations.

Iberia Visa Signature ® card . Links to product page.

Iberia Visa Signature ® card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 5 Avios for every $1 spent on gas, grocery stores and dining for the first 12 months of account opening or up to $10k. These category purchases normally earn 1 Avios. Earn 3 Avios for every $1 spent on Iberia, Aer Lingus, and British Airways purchases, and 2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations.

Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card . Links to product page.

Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card card reviews Opens overlay

100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel rewards when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .

Reward your business with flexible and rich rewards. Earn 3X points on shipping and other select business categories.

21.24 Min. of (8.50+12.74) and 29.99 %– 26.24 Min. of (8.50+17.74) and 29.99 % variable APR. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card . Links to product page.

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn up to 175,000 bonus points Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 35,000 Bonus Points after spending a total of $7,000 in the first 6 months from account opening.

United SM Business Card . Links to product page.

United SM Business Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases.

Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting. Plus, enjoy a free first checked bag, priority boarding and other great United travel benefits. Terms apply.

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

United Club SM Business Card . Links to product page.

United Club SM Business Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 50,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after qualifying purchases.

Travel in luxury. Enjoy United Club SM membership and 2 free checked bags. Plus, earn rewards faster with 2x miles on United purchases and 1.5x miles on all other purchases. Terms apply.

$450 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Performance Business Credit Card . Links to product page.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Performance Business Credit Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 4X points on Southwest ® purchases and 2X points on purchases for your business in select categories. Plus, 9,000 anniversary bonus points each year.

$199 applied to first billing statement. † Opens pricing and terms in new window

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Business Credit Card . Links to product page.

Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Business Credit Card card reviews Opens overlay

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 3X points on Southwest ® purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, and 1X points on all other purchases. Plus, 6,000 anniversary points each year.

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card . Links to product page.

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Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after qualifying purchases.

Make the most of your small business spending with accelerated earning wherever you spend the most. Earn 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/24, then your top two categories each quarter.

$199 † Opens pricing and terms in new window

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9 types of cards you should pack for your next trip abroad

When traveling abroad, what you pack in your wallet matters as much as what you pack in your luggage.

The approach to both should be the same: Keep it simple and practical. You'll want at least one credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees , one that earns bonus points on travel, another that offers travel insurance and rental car coverage , and a fourth that gets me hotel elite status benefits.

Regardless of where your next trip takes you, this guide will run through nine credit cards for international travel that will serve you well on your travels abroad.

A card with no foreign transaction fees

When traveling internationally, you should have at least one card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees . You're bound to make purchases abroad, so why pay an (up to) 3% fee every time you swipe your card? In many cases, these fees will negate the rewards you'll earn, defeating the purpose of using a credit card for international travel to begin with.

Nowadays, most travel rewards credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, but a few everyday cards do not. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex are popular no-annual-fee cards that charge a 3% transaction fee when you use them abroad. Double-check your favorite rewards cards and ensure they do not impose foreign transaction fees. Here are some of our favorite card picks in this category:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees )
• American Express® Gold Card (see rates and fees )
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (see rates and fees )
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card and the Capital One Savor has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

A card that earns bonus points on travel

If you're going to travel anywhere, you'll need a travel rewards card that earns a sufficient number of points. After all, you'll spend a lot on hotel charges, restaurants, transportation and more. A travel rewards card can help you get as many as 10 points per dollar on these purchases.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express – 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel on up to $500,000 on purchases per calendar year and 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
• Citi Premier® Card – at least 3 points per dollar on air travel and hotels (see rates and fees )
• Chase Sapphire Reserve – at least 3 points per dollar on travel
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card – 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in multiple categories, including travel each account anniversary year
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – at least 2 points per dollar on travel
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – 2 miles per dollar on all spending
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

While it's easy to go for the card with the highest travel bonus, you'll want to consider a few other factors. Namely, you'll want a card that protects your travel purchases.

A card that offers travel protection

When you're traveling abroad, a lot can happen. Your travel plans may unexpectedly change, and if you don't have travel insurance , you could be in a tough spot. Luckily, you don't need to purchase travel protection coverage every time you travel if you have the right credit card for international travel.

Be sure to bring along a card that offers travel protection , including trip cancellation/interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement and emergency evacuation and transportation coverage.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• United Club Infinite Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Remember that coverage may be restricted, depending on where you live or your travel destination.

Related: When to buy travel insurance versus when to rely on credit card protections

A card that offers primary rental car coverage

Rental car coverage is crucial, especially when you're traveling abroad. The last thing you want is to get into a fender bender and get hit with a higher insurance premium. You can buy primary coverage at the rental counter or get it for free using a card that offers primary rental car coverage , such as:

• Ink Business Cash Credit Card
• United Explorer Card
• United Quest Card
• United Business Card
• Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

A card that offers airport lounge access

Traveling abroad means spending quite a bit of time at the airport. You need to arrive several hours before departure and will probably have a few hours to spare. An airport lounge is a great place to pass the time and grab a snack before a flight.

Luckily, many premium credit cards offer lounge access , although you can also score day passes with a card like the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card .

• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Priority Pass Select membership (except restaurants) and access to Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs (before same-day Delta flights; limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025), Plaza Premium, Airspace and Escape lounges
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Same access as The Platinum Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve – Priority Pass Select membership, which includes access to Chase Sapphire Lounges
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Priority Pass Select membership (except restaurants) and access to Capital One Lounges
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) – American Airlines Admirals Club membership
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card – Access to The Centurion Lounge when you book your Delta flight with this card. Get Delta Sky Club when flying a same-day Delta flight, plus four one-time guest passes. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card – Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when traveling with Delta. Plus, per-visit rate of $50 per person for up to two guests . Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• United Club Infinite Card – Complimentary United Club membership

Enrollment required for select benefits.

So what's the best card for international lounge access? That depends on various factors, but The Platinum Card® from American Express offers the most comprehensive network. You not only get Priority Pass Select membership, but you can also visit lounges within the exclusive Centurion lounge network. Just note that this card won't give you access to Priority Pass restaurants.

A card that offers hotel elite status benefits

Having hotel elite status abroad is incredibly valuable. You'll not only earn more points on your hotel stays, but you'll also save money via perks such as free breakfast and club lounge access. As an elite member, you'll also qualify for room upgrades, which can be great in places where hotel rooms tend to be smaller (looking at you, Europe). With the right hotel credit card , you can get top-tier status outright or spend your way there.

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card – Automatic Hilton Honord Diamond status; $450 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card – Hilton Honors Gold status, plus earn Diamond after spending $40,000 in a calendar year
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card – Marriott Platinum Elite status
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Hilton Honors and Marriott Gold status. Enrollment required
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card – Marriott Silver elite status, plus earn 15 elite night credits per calendar year towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card – IHG Platinum Elite status
• World of Hyatt Credit Card – Hyatt Discoverist status

A card that offers Global Entry fee credits

Forget long customs lines when you return to the U.S. Rather than spending an hour in line, you can skip over to the Global Entry kiosk and get through in a matter of minutes.

If you want a smooth experience (and no lines) when returning from your trip abroad, the $100 Global Entry application fee (including TSA PreCheck) is well worth it. Better yet, get yourself a credit card that offers a Global Entry fee credit and put that $100 toward its annual fee. You'll get a nice welcome bonus and your Global Entry application fee covered. These credits get renewed up to every five years in time for your renewal application.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ($95 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 annual fee)
• United Explorer Card ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ($650 annual fee; see rates and fees )
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card ($95 annual fee)
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($595 annual fee)
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card ($99 annual fee)

Related: 14 things you should know about Global Entry before your next trip

A card that offers travel credits

Things can get expensive when traveling abroad, but you might be covered if you carry a premium credit card in your wallet. Many of these cards offer annual travel credits that are either airline/hotel specific, or you can use them for virtually anything.

If you have one of these cards in your wallet, you'll want to pack it for your trip abroad to put that annual credit to use and lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card – Up to $250 Hilton resort credit and up to $250 in statement credits for airline incidentals. Enrollment required for select benefits
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Up to $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 Uber cash (distributed in $15 monthly increments and on U.S. services), up to $200 prepaid hotel statement credits with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection each calendar year on bookings (two-night minimum stay required with The Hotel Collection), up to $189 Clear Plus membership credit per year. Enrollment is required for select benefits
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — $300 in annual credits for flights, hotels or rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal
• U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite – Up to $325 general travel credit
• Chase Sapphire Reserve – Up to $300 general travel credit
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card – Up to $300 statement credit each calendar year for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Up to $200 in statement credits for airline incidental fees per calendar year. Enrollment is required
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card – Up to $100 airline incidental fee statement credit
• Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees ) – Annual $100 hotel savings when you spend at least $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) in a single booking through Citi ThankYou Travel

A debit card that waives international ATM fees

Credit cards aren't as widely accepted abroad as in the U.S. It's not just off-the-beaten-path destinations where you'll need to carry cash – I've encountered merchants in fairly large European cities that did not accept credit cards. You might find yourself short on cash, so a trip to the ATM will be necessary.

That's why bringing a debit card that charges no international ATM fees when you use it abroad is so important. The Charles Schwab debit card is a great option because it carries no fees whatsoever and reimburses all international ATM fees. You can even use the card for purchases since it charges no foreign transaction fees .

• Capital One debit card – Requires a Capital One 360 checking account
• Charles Schwab debit card – Requires opening a Schwab Bank High Yield Investor checking account
• Fidelity Visa Gold Check Card – Requires a Fidelity Cash Management Account
• SoFi Money debit card – Requires a SoFi Money account

The information for the Capital One debit, Charles Schwab, Fidelity Visa Gold Check and SoFi Money debit cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: 5 cards I take with me on every trip abroad

Which cards are best for travel abroad?

The best credit cards for international travel are the most widely accepted and offer robust rewards, travel protection and benefits. While there is no single perfect card that fits everyone's travel needs, the Chase Sapphire Reserve checks off the most boxes. As a Visa card, it's also more widely accepted than Amex cards — but with a $550 annual fee.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great pick. It has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ) and offers (secondary) rental car coverage and a Global Entry application fee credit every four years. Not only can you offset most of your travel expenses by charging them to this card and redeeming your Capital One miles for 1 cent per mile, but you can also transfer your miles to airline and hotel partners.

Do I need a card with a chip-and-pin?

Chip-and-pin credit cards are popular throughout Europe, so you may want one in your wallet if you travel abroad. The good news is that many popular reward credit cards are already chip-and-pin enabled, so you may not have to go through the hassle of finding another card to apply for. Many merchants now offer contactless pay (services like Apple Pay).

What are foreign transaction fees?

Some credit cards impose foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad. These fees are usually around 3%. We're all about saving on travel, so avoiding another 3% charge on top of all your travel spending would be ideal. Get yourself a rewards card without foreign transaction fees , and you won't have to worry about this added expense.

Do I need to let my card issuer know if I'm traveling abroad?

You don't have to let your card issuer know you're traveling abroad, but it's a good idea to do so. That way, you minimize the risk of your purchases being declined abroad. Some banks allow you to submit travel notices online, while others require you to call and speak to a representative. Provide a list of countries you plan on visiting, and your account will be notated. Abnormal transactions may still get flagged, but this way, you reduce the chances of your purchases being declined.

Bottom line

Now is a great time to plan your next trip by saving up transferable rewards and making sure you have the right credit cards for international travel in your wallet. You'll save money, earn more points and enjoy a better travel experience. Whichever card combination you pick, make sure it covers all the criteria outlined above.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, please click  here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex Card, please click  here. For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here . For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire card, click here .

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.

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox and Stella Shon.

Updated as of 4/18/2024.

10 Travel Credit Cards With The Best Perks For 2024

• Different travel credit cards cater to various needs and preferences, so prioritize the benefits that matter most to you.
• Some travel credit cards offer valuable perks like travel insurance coverage that regular credit cards do not provide.
• Some of 2024's best credit cards with travel rewards include Bilt Mastercard, Amex Green, and Capital One Venture.

There are many excellent travel credit cards that offer specific benefits to travelers , frequent flyers, and explorers that go beyond those of regular credit cards. With new card options and updates constantly emerging, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but considering key features is a great first step.

Whether you're a travel newbie or a seasoned collector, you'll need to prioritize your needs when researching which credit cards are best for travelers. For instance, do you value premium perks like airport lounges, or are you more focused on a low annual fee?

What about unforeseen, sudden circumstances? For example, imagine if you had to cancel your Barcelona trip due to an unexpected medical emergency; travel credit cards with insurance coverage could help recoup some of those lost flight and hotel costs. You'd likely be stuck with those costs with a regular credit card.

Whatever the case, deciding which benefits matter most will help you navigate the crowded market and find the perfect travel credit card for your adventures. To help travelers choose, here's a roundup of some of the best travel credit cards with the best perks in 2024.

7 Ways To Stay In Hotels For Free

Bilt mastercard, best for: transfer partners.

While not typically classified as a travel credit card, the Bilt Mastercard offers rewards points transferable to travel partners. This card has no annual fee and earns 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x points on everything else.

Cardholders also benefit from trip cancelation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision and damage waiver, and cell phone protection, along with no foreign transaction fees and a Lyft credit after three rides in a month.

Renters should definitely consider this card because it accumulates rewards and waives transaction fees when used to pay rent. The points are highly valuable whether used on the Bilt travel portal or any of the numerous airline and hotel transfer partners.

In the context of travel rewards credit cards, "transfer partners" refer to loyalty programs of airlines and hotels that your credit card points can be transferred to. This essentially allows you to convert your credit card rewards into miles or points usable with those specific travel programs.

No welcome bonus. Earns points transferable to travel partners

Capital One Venture Card

Best for: mid-tier travelers.

The Capital One Venture Card, with its annual fee, is perfect for individuals seeking to maximize their spending without the hassle of tracking bonus categories and spending limits. It earns 5x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One travel portal and 2x points on all other purchases.

Compared to other travel credit cards in 2024, this one has a larger base reward of 75,000 points, which may be redeemed for travel at one cent per point. You can transfer your points to one of Capital One's 18 travel partners , including international airlines such as Singapore Airlines (voted the best airline in 2023) and British Airways, a feature uncommon among travel credit cards with no annual fee.

75,000 bonus points

Capital One Venture X

Best for: frequent travelers.

The Capital One Venture X is an excellent travel credit card with a $359 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

This card earns 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One travel portal, 5x points on flights booked through the Capital One travel portal, and 2x points on everything else.

Cardholders receive a $300 travel credit, a 10,000-point anniversary bonus, global entry or TSA pre-check credit, Capital One lounge access, Plaza Premium lounge access, Priority Pass lounge access, travel insurance, and protection.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Best for: travel beginners.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee and a current welcome offer of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Reward points. These points are worth 1.25 cents each, making the welcome offer worth $750. The card earns 5x points on travel purchased through the Chase travel portal, 3x points on dining and online groceries, 2x points on all other travel, and 1x points on everything else.

Cardholders receive a $50 hotel credit for hotels booked through the Chase travel portal, travel insurance and protection, and no foreign transaction fees. One of the more interesting benefits of this card is the ability to transfer points to travel partners.

For individuals who are unfamiliar with travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a good place to start as it gives a good mix of benefits that are clear and affordable.

60,000 bonus points

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for: advanced travelers.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the more expensive option from Chase, with a $550 annual fee. This card earns 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Chase travel portal, 5x points on flights booked through the travel portal, and 3x points on dining and all other travel.

It is among the best options for travelers seeking worldwide airport lounge access, a high reward rate on their trip, and full travel insurance. The points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel portal, and each point holds a value of 1.5 cents, surpassing the standard 1.0-cent valuation of most travel cards.

This card also offers a $300 travel credit, making it a more attractive option despite the higher annual fee.

Flight Attendant Travel Hacks & Tips That Actually Work

Wells fargo autograph card, best for: no-fee travelers.

The Wells Fargo Autograph card is ideal for those who travel occasionally and want to earn rewards without an annual fee or reduced cash redemption value. With high bonus rewards for gas, dining, transit, and other travel essentials, it stands out among entry-level travel cards.

Plus, you can swiftly accumulate rewards for travel expenses and transfer points to airline and hotel partners like British Airways Executive Club and Air France/KLM Flying Blue program.

20,000 bonus points

Bank Of America Premium Rewards Elite Card

Best for: travel & dining.

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Card offers a generous 75,000 online bonus points, equivalent to a $750 value, along with up to $550 in combined Airline Incidental, TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry, and Lifestyle Statement Credits. Additionally, cardholders can save 20% on domestic or international airfare for any class when paying with points.

Travel planning is effortless with free access to airport lounges and experiences across the globe via up to four Priority PassTM Select Memberships and a round-the-clock Full-Service Concierge. The card also earns unlimited 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining, 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases, and offers flexible redemption options, including travel, cash back, experiences, and more.

American Express Green Card

Best for: moderate traveler & points transfer.

This card boasts a $150 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. It earns 3x points on travel, dining, and select streaming services, and 1x points on everything else.

Cardholders receive airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership, baggage credits, and travel insurance. The Amex Green Card offers trip delay insurance (up to $300 per trip), no foreign transaction fees, car rental insurance, and lets you use points for travel on AmexTravel.com.

30,000 bonus points

American Express Gold Card

Best for: foodies & grocers.

This card has a $250 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 90,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. It earns points at a rate of 4x points on restaurants and groceries (up to $25,000 per year in combined spending), and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amex Travel.

Cardholders receive a hefty list of benefits, including airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership and Amex Centurion Lounges (subject to space availability), Uber credits, travel insurance, and hotel elite status Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors, perfect for making the most of the best Hilton hotels around the world .

The Amex Gold Card gets you hotel upgrades (when available) and a $100 credit for spa/dining experiences at over 700 hotels, including major hotel chains Hyatt (which has excellent hotels in the US) and Kempinski.

90,000 bonus points

Frequent Flier: Airlines With The Best Points System

American express platinum card, best for: frequent flyers & luxury travelers.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers unparalleled luxury benefits, albeit with a steep $695 annual fee. However, if you prioritize VIP treatment while traveling, the rewards can be substantial. Cardholders gain access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance, and exclusive hotel amenities such as daily breakfast and complimentary internet access.

There are credits available for baggage fees, in-flight refreshments, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® enrollment. When booking via American Express Travel, guests staying at Fine Hotels + Resorts® locations for two nights or longer can enjoy benefits valued at almost $600. The card also gives complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club.

This card is highly coveted due to the extensive benefits that can potentially outweigh the high annual fee for frequent travelers.

100,000 bonus points

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

Best credit cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

Stepping into an airport lounge from the chaotic main terminal can feel like stepping onto dry land from a whitewater raft. It evokes a feeling of peace, tranquility and “phew – we made it.”

As a result, airport lounge access is one of the most enviable perks you can get with a travel rewards credit card. But which cards still offer it in 2024, and from that list, which are still worth getting?

The best cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

Best overall: capital one venture x rewards credit card, best for extensive lounge access: the platinum card® from american express, best for affordable lounge access: u.s. bank altitude® connect visa signature® card, best for delta: delta skymiles® reserve american express card, best for united: united club℠ infinite card, best for american airlines: citi® / aadvantage® executive world elite mastercard®.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to a wide lounge network comprising Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. Plus, its $395 annual fee is easy to recoup on account of the $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary. 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Intro bonus.

Rewards Rates

• 10X 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X 2x miles on everyday purchases
• Annual $300 travel credit and 10,000 Miles upon card anniversary make up for the annual fee
• Airport lounge access
• Capital One Miles require effort to maximize
• Limited cash redemption options

Other benefits

• Travel protections including car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
• Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

Why we like this card: We like how the Capital One Venture X comes with a hefty 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network, and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

The $395 annual fee may seem steep, but it’s actually a relative bargain among premium travel cards offering unlimited lounge access. Plus, you’ll earn $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary–a combined $400 in travel value–which instantly covers your fee for the year.

The cherry on top is up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, so you can scoot through security and get to the lounge a little faster. And the Capital One Lounge network is small, but mighty, with game-changing features such as extensive to-go options. All things considered, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the airport lounge card to beat. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express claims to have the widest lounge access of any card on the market, with access to well over 1,500 lounge locations in over 140 countries. Combine that with a list of travel-centric benefits longer than a CVS receipt, and it’s an easy pick for this list. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See Rates and Fees

Reward Rates

• 5X 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)
• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• Packed with valuable potential credits for digital entertainment, Equinox gym, Walmart+ membership, and more.
• Airport lounge access with a larger network than any other card
• Membership Rewards are valuable due to their flexibility.
• The multiple potential credits can be cumbersome to track.
• Sky-high annual fee
• Some of the perks can be hard to use if they don’t align with your lifestyle.
• Travel benefits including hotel and car rental chain statuses, car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection

Why we like this card: Like a fully-loaded Mercedes S-Class, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an eye-watering price tag but an expansive list of benefits to justify it. 

Naturally, one of those benefits is airport lounge access. You’ll have access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, which includes the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. That’s 1,500+ lounges in total, meaning an Amex Platinum is the closest we have to an airport lounge master key. 

You’ll also get up to $189 back per year on a CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®, up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your card, 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), 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® (minimum 2-night stay required) and a welcome bonus of at least 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of card membership, so there are plenty of ways to extract value from your “Plat” outside of an airport lounge. 

To view rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page  

Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta review Best travel credit cards What is Global Entry and why should I want it? What is TSA Precheck and why should I want it?

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card card includes four free visits to over 1,500 Priority Pass locations worldwide, a $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit and a $500 welcome bonus–all for a modest annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

• 5x 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4x 4X points on travel, at gas stations and EV charging stations
• 2x 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services
• 1x 1X on all other purchases
• High earnings on travel
• No annual fee the first year
• 4 Priority Pass lounge visits per year
• Points not transferable to travel partners
• Additional perks: Cell phone protection, Trip cancellation/interruption, TSA/Global Entry fee rebate
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like this card: As an affordable travel rewards card, U.S. Bank’s Altitude Connect card is a worthy rival to the reigning Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card . Unlike the “CSP,” the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card includes complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with four airport lounge passes, a $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and up to 4X on travel purchases. 

The card also waives its $95 annual fee for the first year and offers a hefty welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 120 days worth $500 towards travel and more. In short, it’s positively packed with value for travelers, and if you’re not sure whether you’ll even visit a lounge more than four times this year, it’s a logical choice.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers Delta fans a truly elevated experience, with 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year, four guest passes, free checked bags, an Annual Companion Certificate, upgrade priority and more. It doesn’t include automatic Medallion status, but offers plenty of ways to to get there faster (e.g. MQD Headstart).

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Intro bonus.

• 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
• 1x Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class flight each year upon renewal of your card
• Access to Centurion Lounge network
• High annual fee
• Access to Delta Sky Club limited to 15 passes a year after February 2025
• Base earnings rate is low compared to other cards
• 15% discount on Delta award flights
• Travel protections including accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

Why we like this card: Though it charges a heart-stopping $650 annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card does include a 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership to help cover your first two years with the card. You’ll also 3X Miles on Delta purchases, up to 15% off award travel on Delta when booked on Delta.com, a free first checked bag, up to $240 Resy Credit, up to $200 Delta Stays statement credit and more to make the card’s high fee more palatable. 

In terms of lounge access, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card includes 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year. That’s objectively pretty stingy considering there are cheaper cards on the market offering unlimited access to a larger network for both you and multiple guests. Still, if you’re a solo Delta traveler, 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year may be all you need.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card may charge $525 per year, but it covers a United Club membership–which alone retails for $650–and includes a litany of other travel-friendly benefits like Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

• 4x 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
• 1x 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• United Club lounge membership
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Path to earn elite airline status by card spend
• Mostly useful if you want lounge access
• Additional perks: Primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement

Why we like this card: If you and your travel companion frequently fly United, check multiple bags each and relish the thought of decompressing in the United Club lounge, the United Club℠ Infinite Card might deserve a place in your wallet. 

That’s because the card’s marquis feature is a $650 United Club membership, granting unlimited access for you and your travel companions. You’ll also get Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 25% back on food/beverage/Wi-Fi purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

Once the welcome bonus dries up it can be hard to continue justifying the United Club℠ Infinite Card‘s $525 annual fee–especially since you can only take advantage of the card’s best benefits while traveling with United. The lack of Polaris Lounge access is a bummer, too. But if you’re a hardcore brand loyalist who doesn’t travel light, the United Club℠ Infinite Card could still be a worthy travel companion. 

With complimentary Admirals Club membership (valued up to $850), up to nine free checked bags per trip and an “enhanced airport experience,” the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® rolls out the figurative red carpet for AA frequent flyers.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• 10x Earn 10X AAdvantage miles on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels and on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars.
• 4x 4x AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases (5X after you spend $15,000 on airfare)
• 1x 1x AAdvantage miles on all other purchases
• Earns AAdvantage miles, which are not easily accessible outside of co-branded AAdvantage credit cards.
• Every dollar spent earns one Loyalty Point toward elite status.
• Includes Admirals Club lounge membership, valued at up to $850.
• High spending requirement for earning the 70,000-mile welcome bonus
• No category bonuses outside of American Airlines spending.
• Travel perks: AAdvantage club membership, checked bag benefit, trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Credits: Up to $120 annual credit to Avis or Budget rental cars, Up to $10 monthly credits to Lyft and Grubhub

Why we like this card: If you’re ready to pledge fealty to American Airlines via a $595 rewards card, you’ll be receiving plenty of perks and value in return from the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. For starters, you’ll get a complimentary Admirals Club membership and free first checked bags for you and up to eight travel companions–saving up to $720 per round trip. 

You’ll also get 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, 25% savings on inflight purchases of food and beverages on flights and 10X AAdvantage® miles on hotels booked through aa.com/hotels. But perhaps most intriguingly, the card unlocks an “enhanced airport experience” with priority check-in, screening and boarding when flying with AA. 

Just keep in mind that Admirals Club membership only includes access to 50ish Admirals Clubs and 60ish partner lounge locations total, so you may want to confirm that there’s one in your home airport before committing. 

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for airport lounge access.

The Platinum Card® from American Express has the most expansive lounge access, with unlimited visits to locations within the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. 

However, we think the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers better value, with access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group locations for a $395 annual fee ($300 less than the Platinum).  If you are looking for a lower price tag, check out our article about the best cards for cheap airport lounge access .

Are lounge access cards worth it? 

A rewards card with airport lounge access could be worth it if you fly several times a year, value having a secluded place to work, and relax and plan to take advantage of the card’s other benefits. 

Some say that the most underrated perk of airport lounges is having access to a dedicated airline representative inside. That way, you can skip the long customer service line outside if something goes wrong with your travel plans. 

How do I know if my credit card has lounge access? 

Check your card benefits, which can usually be found online following a quick search. While you’re there, check to see if any of the included lounge networks require you to register your membership in advance–that way, you can save time and hassle at the airport.

Methodology

Fortune Recommends surveyed all the cards still offering airport lounge access in 2024 and handpicked the very best. In evaluating cards that offer airport lounge access, we compared the annual fees to the amount of lounge access provided. From the card granting access to the most locations worldwide to another charging a mere $95 annual fee ($0 for the first year), we found the best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2024.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

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

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

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Find the best credit card for you

Here are the 3 best chase balance transfer credit cards of 2024, save money with these chase credit cards that offer 0% introductory aprs on balance transfers..

Credit card interest rates are often higher than other financial products like personal loans or mortgages so it's best to pay off your credit card balance in full every month . However, that isn't always possible so many people may wind up with high-interest credit card debt. In these situations, taking advantage of a 0% balance transfer offer can reduce the interest you pay and help you pay off your credit card debt more quickly.

Chase is known for issuing some top travel credit cards , but it also has several cards that offer an intro 0% APR for balance transfers. Consider these Chase balance transfer credit cards if you're hunting for a balance transfer offer. (See our methodology for information on how we chose the best Chase balance transfer credit cards).

Best Chase balance transfer credit cards

• Best for long intro APR: Chase Slate Edge℠
• Best for cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for rotating bonus categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Best for long intro APR

Chase slate edge℠, welcome offer.

Get an automatic review for a credit limit increase when you pay on time and spend $500 in your first six months.

0% for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% variable

Balance transfer fee

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.

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Excellent/Good

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Slate Edge℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

• No annual fee
• Lower your interest rate by 2% each year: Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1,000 on your card by your next account anniversary
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No rewards program

Who's this for? The Chase Slate Edge℠ does one thing, and it does it well — reduce the interest you pay. Its longer-than-usual introductory APR offer makes it ideal for those seeking more time to pay off their balance.

Balance transfer offer : New cardholders are eligible for an intro 0% APR on eligible balance transfers and purchases for 18 months from account opening, then a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. This is one of the longest intro APR offers available and is especially useful since it applies to purchases, too.

An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is higher) applies to transfers completed in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, the balance transfer fee is $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is higher).

[ Jump to more details ]

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.

Welcome bonus

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

3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

• Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
• Generous welcome bonus
• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is geared toward those who want to earn cash back on their everyday spending and still want access to a helpful intro APR offer.

Balance transfer offer : New card members receive an intro 0% APR for purchases and balance transfer for the first 15 months, after that a variable 20.49% to 29.24% APR applies. For the first 60 days of account opening, there's an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum). After that, a standard balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies, whichever is greater.

Best for rotating bonus categories

Chase freedom flex℠.

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Read our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.

• Opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back in select categories upon activation
• Bonus categories must be activated each quarter

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great card for anyone who enjoys squeezing the most value out of their credit card thanks to its generous rotating quarterly bonus categories.

Balance transfer offer : New cardholders can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balances transfer, then a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer applies to transfers completed in the first 60 days. After that, the standard balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5, whichever is greater.

More on our top Chase balance transfer credit cards

The Chase Slate Edge℠ is a no annual fee card with several features that can help you pay less interest, but doesn't earn rewards.

Get an automatic review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time and spend $500 in the first six months.

Notable perks

With the Chase Slate Edge , you are automatically considered for a 2% APR reduction if you pay your monthly bill on time and spend at least $1,000 on the card before your next account anniversary (terms apply). While you'll want a plan to pay off your balance transfer before the interest kicks in, this feature can help you lower your APR compared to what you might pay with other credit cards.

This card's insurance benefits include purchase protection, extended warranty protection, roadside dispatch and rental car collision and theft coverage (secondary in the U.S.).

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of CNBC Select's top no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards with a unique intro bonus and a handful of useful benefits to complement its cash-back earnings.

• 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 4.5% cash back on dining
• 4.5% cash back at drug stores
• 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)

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

Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 and enroll for three complimentary months of DashPass (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). Purchases are also covered by a range of built-in protections like rental car collision damage insurance (secondary in the U.S.), extended warranty coverage, purchase protection and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

While this is a cash-back credit card , you can boost the value of the rewards you earn by pairing this card with a Chase card that allows points transfers (such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ). By transferring the rewards you earn to travel partners like World Hyatt, United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan, you can potentially book luxury hotels and flights for fewer points.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ packs a punch with generous rewards in bonus categories that change every quarter and an easy-to-earn welcome bonus.

• 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in categories that change each quarter, then 1% cash back (activation required)
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3% cash back on dining
• 3% cash back at drug stores
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Cardholders receive discounts and special perks with partners like Lyft and DoorDash. There are also many valuable built-in protections for a no-annual-fee card, including:

• Cell phone insurance
• Rental car insurance (secondary in the U.S.)
• Extended warranty coverage
• Purchase protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

When you have a Chase card that unlocks the ability to transfer Chase points to hotel and airline partners (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card) , it increases the value of the Freedom Flex. So this isn't only a strong standalone rewards credit card , but it has synergies with other cards.

How to complete a Chase balance transfer

Chase typically charges a balance transfer fee from 3% to 5% with a $5 minimum. Before you complete a balance transfer , be sure the interest you save will outweigh the fee.

There are several ways to do a balance transfer with Chase. One of the best and easiest options is to complete a balance transfer when you apply for a card. When you do this, you'll be able to make the most out of your intro APR because any 0% interest timeframe you qualify for begins when you open the card.

If you want to perform a balance transfer with a Chase card you already have, you'll need to log in to your account and follow these steps:

• Click "Pay & Transfer"
• Then click on the "Transfer" dropdown menu
• Select "Card balance transfers"

You can then select any of your Chase cards from a dropdown menu and see what balance transfer offers are available.

Are Chase balance transfers worth it?

When you make a balance transfer, you'll generally pay a fee of 3% to 5% of the balance. To determine whether a balance transfer is worth it, calculate how much you would save in interest compared to how much you'd pay in transfer fees.

What is one disadvantage of a 0% interest balance transfer card?

Aside from the balance transfer fees, the biggest downside to a balance transfer is you'll have the same amount of credit card debt as before. If you don't have a plan, or the resources, to pay off your debt before the intro APR expires, you'll be stuck paying interest once again.

Do balance transfers hurt your credit?

A balance transfer doesn't directly hurt your credit score and could help improve your credit if you're able to pay down your debt. However, you'll want to keep in mind that your credit score will temporarily dip when you apply for new credit (including a balance transfer card).

Bottom line

The top balance transfer cards Chase issues offer intro APR periods of 15 to 18 months, and these intro APR offers also apply to purchases, making them even more useful. If you're interested in paying less interest , these are some of the best offers available. When you're in credit card debt, your primary focus should be repayment, not earning rewards, but the fact that some of the cards on this list earn rewards is a nice bonus.

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   article 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 Chase balance transfer credit 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 .

Our methodology

To determine which Chase cards are best for balance transfers, CNBC Select analyzed the Chase credit cards with intro APR balance transfer offers. We compared each card on a range of features, including the annual fee, rewards, welcome bonus and balance transfer fee. We also considered additional perks, consumer protections, the application process when available and how easy it is to redeem rewards. However, when you're in credit card debt, your priority should be repayment, so we focused more on the cards that provide consumers with the cheapest ways to pay off their debt rather than the number of rewards they could potentially earn.

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.

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Bank of America Travel Rewards Review: Easy Rewards for Easy Travel

What’s on This Page

The bottom line, pros and cons, detailed review, compare to other cards, benefits and perks, drawbacks and considerations, how to decide if it's right for you.

This solid no-fee travel credit card is especially rewarding for Bank of America® banking customers.

Rewards rate

Bonus offer

• 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.

0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Ongoing APR

APR: 18.24%-28.24% Variable APR

Cash Advance APR: See Terms

Penalty APR: 29.99%, Variable

Balance transfer fee

3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%

Foreign transaction 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.
• 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 18.24% - 28.24% 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.

No annual fee

New cardholder bonus offer

No foreign transaction fees

Flexible rewards redemption

Intro APR period

Requires good/excellent credit

No bonus categories

Best rewards limited to certain customers

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent option for frequent travelers who want flexible rewards but just can't bring themselves to pay an annual fee for a credit card.

Cardholders earn an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases. Rewards never expire as long as the account is open, but some of the redemption options have a time limit attached (more on that later). Points can be redeemed for credit against any travel or restaurant purchase. With no foreign transaction fees and a $0 annual fee, this card definitely travels light.

Note that this card is different from the similarly named Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students . For more information about that version of the card, see our full review .

» MORE: NerdWallet’s best travel credit cards

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Basics

Card type: Travel .

Annual fee: $0 .

Sign-up bonus: 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.

Rewards: 1.5 points per dollar spent.

Points are worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed for travel or restaurant purchases and a little over half a cent apiece for cash. Points can also be redeemed for gift cards at varying point values. Minimum redemption: 2,500 points for travel or cash.

Interest rate: 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 18.24% - 28.24% will apply . (A 0% APR period is relatively rare on a travel card.)

Foreign transaction fees: None.

Flexible rewards

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card isn't tied to any particular airline or hotel chain. Book travel any way you want, with no restrictions and no blackout dates, and then use points to wipe out the cost on your statement. Bank of America® also has one of the broadest definitions of "travel" of any major issuers. You can use points to get credit for airfare, hotel stays, cruises and car rentals, of course — but also for things like campgrounds, art galleries, amusement parks, carnivals, circuses, aquariums and zoos. Add to that, points are good for credit on restaurant purchases, too.

Points don't expire, but the travel and dining purchases you can redeem them for have a time limit. You can redeem points for a statement credit toward travel or dining purchases made within 12 months prior to the date of redemption. And, these redemptions are limited to the most recent 2,500 qualifying travel and dining purchases.

Travel-friendly features

As part of the Visa network, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card travels well internationally. Visa is widely accepted worldwide, meaning you're less likely to run into trouble using it abroad. You also don’t have to worry about paying foreign transaction fees, which typically cost 1% to 3% of every transaction.

» MORE: Benefits of the Bank of America® Travel Rewards card

Bank of America Preferred Rewards® boosts earnings

The Bank of America Preferred Rewards ® program allows certain Bank of America® credit card holders to earn bonus rewards. If you have enough money in combined balances in Merrill accounts, you can earn bonuses of 25% or more. There are three tiers to the program, determined by your combined balances in those bank and investment accounts:

Say you spent $10,000 on your card in a year. That would usually earn you 15,000 points, worth $150 at a penny a point. If you were a Gold member in Bank of America Preferred Rewards®, your bonus would push your earnings to 18,750 points ($187.50). If you were Platinum, 22,500 points ($225). For Platinum Honors, 26,250 ($262.50).

» MORE: Bank of America® credit cards mobile app review

Other cards pay higher rewards rates

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a great $0 -fee travel companion, but depending on how much you spend and how you prefer to redeem, a different card might better suit you.

Bigger spenders will likely get more value from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which earns 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases. Like the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card , it allows you to redeem rewards for credit against travel expenses at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

The annual fee on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is $95 . But, if you spend more than $4,750 annually, the rewards will offset the annual fee. Once you spend more than $19,000 a year, your rewards exceed those on the Bank of America® card even after taking into account the annual fee (assuming you aren't a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member). Reducing the sting of the fee even further, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also reimburses you for the application cost for TSA Precheck or Global Entry, and it offers a substantially higher sign-up bonus: 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.

You get a lower redemption value for cash

The Discover it® Miles has a lot in common with the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : an unlimited 1.5 miles per dollar spent, a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. But a key difference is that the Discover it® Miles gives you the same value per point whether you redeem for travel or cash back. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has an edge over this card Visa's wider acceptance abroad, but the Discover it® Miles is worth considering if you want better cash-back value.

Premium perks can take your travel further

The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express® Card offers premium perks without the premium cost. Cardholders get 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases (4 points for those enrolled in the PenFed Honors Advantage program) and 1.5 points per $1 spent everywhere else. On top of rewards, the card offers a $100 annual air travel credit and up to $100 in the form of a statement credit for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs every five years.

This card comes with a $95 annual fee, but it's waived for PenFed Honors Advantage members. Even without qualifying for PenFed Honors Advantage, you can effectively cancel out the annual fee as long as you can take advantage of the full $100 air travel credit. You’ll need to be a credit union member to qualify for this card.

If you'd like to see how these cards compare with other potential travel card options, you can search NerdWallet's list of best rated credit cards .

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers a solid travel rewards program for the fee-averse. If your deposits reside at Bank of America®, you can gain even more rewards.

If you're willing to pay an annual fee ( $95 ), this card gives you 2 miles per dollar on most spending. It has a big sign-up bonus, and miles are redeemable for statement credit against any travel expense.

Looking For Something Else?

Methodology.

NerdWallet reviews credit cards with an eye toward both the quantitative and qualitative features of a card. Quantitative features are those that boil down to dollars and cents, such as fees, interest rates, rewards (including earning rates and redemption values) and the cash value of benefits and perks. Qualitative factors are those that affect how easy or difficult it is for a typical cardholder to get good value from the card. They include such things as the ease of application, simplicity of the rewards structure, the likelihood of using certain features, and whether a card is well-suited to everyday use or is best reserved for specific purchases. Our star ratings serve as a general gauge of how each card compares with others in its class, but star ratings are intended to be just one consideration when a consumer is choosing a credit card. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is a good choice for someone looking for simple rewards with a $0 annual fee. Cards with annual fees, however, typically offer more robust rewards and perks and may be a better fit for heavy travelers. With this card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent. (Bank of America Preferred Rewards ®customers earn 25%-75% more points.) Points can be redeemed for credit against any travel purchase.

Use your Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card to book travel however you want, and then redeem points for credit on your statement against those travel purchases. You can use points to cover expenses like flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, baggage fees and more.

Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for a travel statement credit.

Points don’t expire as long as your card account is open, but you will forfeit unused points if you close your account. While points don't expire, the travel and dining purchases you can redeem them for do have a time limit. You can redeem points for a statement credit toward travel or dining purchases made within 12 months prior to the date of redemption. And, redemptions are limited to the most recent 2,500 qualifying travel and dining purchases.

The more often you travel, especially if you travel internationally, the more value you can get out of a travel rewards credit card. However, if you don’t travel often, you may benefit from a cash-back card instead.

About the author

Melissa Lambarena

Pros and cons of credit cards for EVs

What is a credit card for ev charging, how to choose the best credit card for you, how to maximize your ev charging card, alternatives to ev charging cards, how to apply for a credit card.

Why You Can Trust CNET Money

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

Best Credit Cards for EV Charging for April 2024

You can earn rewards for charging your electric vehicle, but the best cards also come with a variety of other benefits.

Holly Johnson

Contributor

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love."

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

The best cards for electric vehicles come with a range of benefits, including consumer protections and generous rewards for spending. Some of the best cards in this niche include both credit cards and debit cards that let you earn rewards and access other benefits.

If you’re looking for a card that rewards you for having an EV, you’ll want to compare options that offer cash back or points for EV charging and other “green” purchases. Other features to look for include built-in insurance protections and potentially introductory APR offers for purchases, balance transfers or both. The best cards for EV owners all come with no annual fee as well. 

Discover it® Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back* stands out due to its unique earning structure that awards cardholders for different types of purchases throughout the year. Members earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent when activated in rotating categories that change every quarter (then 1% back) and 1% cash back on other purchases. The current bonus category  includes gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores and public transit. Categories will change when the next quarter begins on July 1, 2024. 

There’s no annual fee, and Discover will essentially double all rewards earned at the end of your first year. As an added bonus, this card comes with an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers.

FutureCard Visa® Debit Card

The FutureCard Visa® Debit Card * is a debit card that earns rewards for spending with no monthly fees or annual fees and no credit check required. Cardholders earn 6% back when you shop with one of its 40+ “ FuturePartners ” and 5% cash back on up to $25,000 spent on public transportation, electric charging, bikes and scooters, secondhand clothes and furniture, and plant-based meat, dairy and eggs (then 1% back) and 1% back on other purchases, and all spending is funded with cash you deposit in your own FDIC-insured bank account.

Cardholders also earn 2.72% APY on cash they keep in their account.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card* lets users earn accelerated rewards on select travel purchases and other spending. Cardholders earn 4x points on travel, gas stations and EV charging stations through Sept. 8, 2024. After that, cardholders will earn 4x points on the first $1,000 spent at gas stations and EV charging stations each quarter (then 1x points). 

Cardholders also earn 2x points on dining, streaming services at grocery stores and on grocery delivery and 1x points on other eligible purchases. There’s no annual fee for the first 12 months, then $95 after that. Other notable benefits include a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, four free visits to Priority Pass airport lounges and built-in travel insurance protections. New cardholders can even earn 50,000 bonus points worth $500 after spending $2,000 on purchases within 120 days of account opening.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card stands out since it offers bonus points in so many categories with no annual fee. Members earn an unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations and EV charging stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Other purchases earn 1x points.

This card also lets new members earn 20,000 bonus points when they spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. An intro APR offer for purchases sweetens the deal and helps cardholders save money on interest for a limited time. Other benefits include cellphone insurance, travel and emergency assistance services and select Visa Signature perks.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card doesn’t offer bonus rewards specifically for EV-related purchases, it does offer an exceptional flat rewards rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases. There’s no annual fee, and new cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases within three months of account opening.

The flat rewards rate makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card a winner for people who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories over time. Other benefits include cell phone insurance and a generous intro APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

While you need to be a Costco member to apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi * , this card offers generous rewards for all kinds of purchases, including EV charging. Specifically, cardholders earn 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent on EV charging and gas station purchases each year (then 1% back), 3% back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, 2% back on purchases at Costco and Costco.com and 1% back on other purchases.

There’s no annual fee with a paid Costco membership (which costs $60 per year). Also note that, with the top rewards category alone, cardholders have the potential to earn $280 back on the first $7,000 spent on gas and EV charging expenses every year.

If you plan to use a credit card for EV-related spending, including charging your vehicle at home or away , you should know about the potential advantages and disadvantages.

Earn rewards for spending and possibly bonus points or cash back for EV charging purchases

Offers a convenient payment option on the road

Many credit cards that let you earn rewards on EV charging also offer perks like travel insurance or cellphone insurance

Credit cards could lead to overspending and debt

Can be a hassle to keep track of cards that have rewards caps or changing categories

Credit cards that earn rewards often require good or excellent credit

Missing a credit card payment could damage your credit

A credit card for EV charging is just like any other credit card, but they offer benefits for EV-related purchases. For the most part, benefits come in the form of cash back or rewards points for EV charging bills, which can add up over the course of a year.

Credit cards for EV charging let users earn rewards when they charge their cars on the road or at home. Cardholders who want to take advantage can pay for EV charging stations and their home electric bill with their credit cards. It’s important to pay credit card balances in full to avoid interest charges.

Consider these tips to find the right credit card for your needs.

Assess your personal credit . The best credit cards for EVs require good or excellent credit. If your credit score isn’t quite in the good credit range, but you want to earn rewards for EV purchases, use these tips to help boost your score or consider credit cards for fair credit .

Compare cardholder benefits . Look at the benefits each card offers and decide which ones are most helpful for you. These could include 0% intro APR offers for purchases or balance transfers, travel insurance benefits, cellphone insurance and more.

Consider annual fees . The best credit cards for EV purchases don’t charge an annual fee, but some top rewards credit cards do. Apply for a credit card with an annual fee only if you know you’ll get enough in benefits and rewards to justify the fee each year .

Look closely at rewards rates . The best EV credit cards tend to offer better than average reward rates on EV charging purchases, but many have other bonus categories as well. There are also flat-rate rewards credit cards that offer the same cash back rewards rate on purchases, which could be attractive if you don’t want to bother tracking rewards categories.

Select the type of rewards you want to earn . Finally, make sure you’re earning rewards you can use. Investigate rewards programs to confirm you like the redemption options available with different cards.

To make the most of your EV charging credit card, you’ll want to use it to pay for expenses related to charging up whether at home or on the road. You can also use your card for other purchases you make to boost your rewards haul, depending on your credit card’s reward categories. 

Most importantly, you can maximize your card’s benefits by paying your credit card statement balance in full every billing period. If you carry a balance on your EV card and end up paying interest on purchases as a result, the rewards you earn won’t be worth the cost.

If you want to earn rewards for spending but you don’t necessarily want to prioritize rewards on EV purchases, you can expand your search to the following: :

• Best cash back credit cards
• Best rewards credit cards
• Best travel credit cards

Cards that fall into each of these categories offer different types of rewards you can earn for spending, each with their own benefits and features. Compare the best credit cards before you make your decision.

And if you want to skip using a credit card altogether, check out this list of no-fee charging options .

Follow these steps to apply for an EV credit card:

• Compare cards to find the right fit . Use this guide to find a credit card that matches your lifestyle and spending habits. 
• Apply securely online using the links above . The best credit cards let you apply for an account on a card issuer’s secure website. Some card issuers also let you apply for a new account over the phone.
• Submit your application . Be prepared to share information like your household income, your Social Security number, your monthly housing payment and your contact information. The card issuer will conduct a hard inquiry on your credit reports during the application process.
• Use your card responsibly . If you’re approved for the card, make sure to pay your credit card bill in full each month to avoid the high interest rates most credit cards charge for carrying a balance.

The best EV credit card varies from person to person. However, some of the top options available today include the Discover it® Cash Back, the US Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.

The best gas credit cards also offer bonus rewards on EV charging, including the Costco Anywhere Visa ® Card by Citi.

*All information about the FutureCard Visa Debit Card, US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

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