best travel wallet card singapore

Digital Multi-Currency Accounts & Cards For Travel Spending: BigPay vs Instarem Amaze vs Revolut vs Wise (Formerly TransferWise) vs YouTrip

Singaporeans are always looking for ways to save cash—especially when travelling. This is where the digital multi-currency accounts come in.

The world of  digital multi-currency accounts is constantly changing.  Instarem’s Amaze card  used to be lauded for its lucrative 1% cashback on top of your linked  credit card , but it’s since replaced this with a loyalty points-based system. At the same time, it’s also slapped on some top-up fees for certain top-up methods. Meanwhile, YouTrip has finally added Google Pay compatibility —you can now add your YouTrip card to your Google Wallet and make seamless and secure payments.

So, with all these changes, how do we know which is the best? Here’s the lowdown on  offerings from YouTrip, Instarem, BigPay, Revolut, and Wise (formerly TransferWise).  Let’s review and compare them to see which is the best digital multi-currency account.

BigPay vs Instarem Amaze vs Revolut vs Wise (Formerly TransferWise) vs YouTrip: Which is the best multi-currency account? 

Swipe left to see the full table.

Best all-round digital multi-currency card: Instarem Amaze Card  

The Instarem Amaze Card’s winning factor is the fact that you can earn Instarem rewards  on top of your own credit or debit card cashback or rewards. All you have to do is link your credit or debit card (up to 5 cards) to your Amaze card or top up your Amaze wallet and spend away. This  alone introduces a very enticing incentive for people to use the Instarem Amaze card while still spending on their existing cards.

How does the cashback work for the Instarem Amaze card?

The Amaze card used to give you 1% cashback, but has now switched to a loyalty points system with InstaPoints . When spending overseas on your Amaze card, you earn up to 1 InstaPoint for every 1 SGD-equivalent in foreign currency . There’s a minimum spend of 10 SGD (the equivalent in foreign currency) per transaction for you to earn InstaPoints on that transaction.

You’ll notice we said up to 1 InstaPoint. I dug through the Amaze Card T&Cs  and found out that how many InstaPoints you earn depends on your payment method. Per SGD1 spent in foreign currency on your Amaze Card, you’ll earn

• 0.5 InstaPoints if your Amaze Card is linked to a credit or debit card.
• 1 InstaPoint if you’re topping up your Amaze Wallet on your Amaze Card.

Their website doesn’t spell out this distinction, it just says “T&Cs apply”. Sneaky, but we’re sneakier.

There’s also a cap of 500 InstaPoints you can earn per foreign currency transaction, and InstaPoints expire after 12 months . Do note that there are also certain categories excluded from Amaze Rewards , including healthcare, utilities, education, tolls, and postal services.

To redeem InstaPoints as cashback, do so directly on your Instarem App. Every 2,000 InstaPoints gets you SGD 20 cashback.

Pros—What we like about the Instarem Amaze Card:

• 1% cashback per quarter on top of your credit or debit card rewards.
• Googly Pay compatibility: Android users can add their Amaze card on Google Pay.
• No foreign currency conversion fees
• No annual, processing, or application fees
• The Instarem app automatically categorises your transactions into categories like “Food and Dining” and “Travel”. These days, we need all the help we can get staying organised.
• Since you can link up to 5 cards, the app also combines your cards into 1 and lets you track your spending across all of them regardless of the credit card provider.

Cons—What we don’t like about the Instarem Amaze Card:

• You can only link your Amaze Card to a  Mastercard  credit/debit card or to  Google Pay . For other card associations like Visa or Amex, you have to top up your Amaze Wallet instead—which doesn’t let you earn rewards on the card you use for top-ups .
• At the same time, you only earn 1 InstaPoint per 1 SGD spend in foreign currency if you use the Amaze Wallet. If you link a card or use Google Pay, you earn half of that—0.5 InstaPoints per 1 SGD instead.
• You’ll incur a 1.5% fee when topping up your wallet using Visa cards. Top-ups using Mastercard and PayNow are free.
• Instarem charges you a fee of 2% (minimum S$0.50) for SGD transactions involving GrabPay, prepaid cards and other e-wallet top-ups. This applies to both using your Amaze card with your linked bank card as well as to Amaze wallet transactions. The saving grace is that this doesn’t apply to foreign currency transactions .
• However, to note, there’s a $100 cap on the cashback and a minimum spend requirement of $500per quarter.
• We found the linking service a bit wonky . Users have reported random declines or duplicate charges , including myself. To elaborate, I made a skincare haul on Guardian Singapore, had my S$238 charge reversed, and then recharged again.
• There is also no integration with Apple Pay, which is a shame.

Runner-up for the best digital multi-currency card: Revolut

I like no-commitment cards. Revolut gives us that option with 3 plans, the most basic of which is free. Here’s a quick comparison of the everyday benefits of all 3 cards:

And here’s a summary of their travel benefits:

For a noob traveller like me who doesn’t often leave Singapore’s sunny shores, I like the Standard plan. First of all, it’s completely free to get. Even the card delivery to your doorstep is free (assuming it’s your first Revolut card). Secondly, it provides one of the most essential service I’d be interested in during overseas trips—currency exchange (fee-free on weekdays), overseas spending, and overseas cash withdrawal.

The limit for cash withdrawal is $350 per month under the Standard plan. Admittedly, that’s not a very high limit. It’ll do if you’re strapped for cash overseas, but you can’t depend on this card for cash during long haul trips, like if you’re backpacking across Asia for a month. So at the other end of the spectrum, Revolut offers their $19.99/month Metal plan. This card lets you withdraw $1,050 per month overseas for free, on top of unlimited fee-free currency exchange on weekdays, unlimited fee-free international transfers (up to the allowed regulatory limit) and up to 1.5% cashback.

The Revolut Metal card costs S$19.99 a month or S$199 a year. Y ou get a discount if you pay upfront—it’s S$199 as opposed to S$239.98 if you were to pay monthly.

How does the Revolut card work?

Unlike the Instarem Amaze card, you can’t just link your credit card to your Revolut card and call it a day. The Revolut card works more like the Amaze Wallet—top up money, spend it later overseas directly using your card or by withdrawing cash from an ATM.

Unfortunately, there are charges for pumping money into your Revolut account—yes, even their free Standard plan has these fees :

The first top-up is free.

Comparing apple to apple, top-ups to the Amaze Wallet are free for Mastercard credit cards (0.62% for Revolut) and 1.5% for Visa (1.97% for Revolut). So as far as top-ups go, Amaze wins. But if you’re paying in cash, factor in Instarem’s 2% ATM withdrawal fee and Revolut’s 0.62% Mastercard top-up fee suddenly looks way more enticing.

Pros—What we like about the Revolut Card:

• Slickest UI
• Best integration with current phone payment methods, most notably Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Free ATM withdrawals (up to $350, $700, or $1050 depending on your plan)
• Choice of 3 plans, including a basic Standard plan with no fees
• Premium and Metal plans come with other perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance coverage
• Fee-free currency exchange on weekdays. This is unlimited for Metal plan users, but capped at $5,000/month and $15,000/month for Standard and Premium plan users respectively. If you exceed this limist, Standard will be charged a 1% fee, while Premium customers will be charged a 0.5% fee.
• Up to 1.5% cashback on Revolut Metal card, capped at the monthly subscription fee of S$19.99.

Cons—What we don’t like about the Revolut Card:

• Surcharges to top up your Revolut account range from 0.30% to 2.08% depending on the card type.
• 1% currency exchange fee on weekends.

Overseas ATM withdrawal fee

Key Features

Spend in over 150 currencies

No fee on international ATM withdrawals, up to S$1,050 per month depending on the plan (subject to 5 withdrawals per month)

Send money domestically and internationally to 150+ countries (both bank transfer and instant card transfer)

Debit card with minimum top-up of S$20

In-app budgeting & analytics and Vault features to manager your savings

Ability to split bills easily with anyone

Free and instant P2P transfers to other Revolut users globally

Invest in 1000+ global company shares, 110+ crypto tokens, commodities with live watchlists, trading charts, market news and learn modules

Premium and Metal Add ons : Lower or no fees across multiple products (e.g., FX, Remittance, ATM, Crypto, Stocks, Commodities), Complimentary travel insurance, Customised metal card, Premium card with three exclusive designs, Priority customer service and LoungeKey Pass access to airport lounges around the world

Apply via MoneySmart and easy 5 minute setup via Revolut mobile app

Multi-currency features

Account opening / eligibility, fees and charges, other features, product documents, best free digital multi-currency card with rewards for those who don’t want sign up for more credit cards: bigpay.

BigPay is completely free to sign up and comes with no annual fees . Does Big sound familiar? It’s the subsidiary of low-cost Malaysian carrier, AirAsia, and that means you can use it to redeem discounted flights, meals from AirAsia food, travel insurance and even investments. For example, from now till 31 Dec, use  BIGPAY5 to get 5% off AirAsia flights .

It’s quite useful too if you already have an AirAsia account—simply link them up to reap even more benefits with your BigPay card.

The kicker is that you will need to spend at least S$5 on any transaction to earn 1 BIG point, and there’s a limit of S$300 daily on Visa PayWave payments. Do note that chip + pin transactions are subject to the MAS yearly limit of S$30,000. 

Pros—What we like about BigPay

• Free—no joining fee, annual fee, or account service fee
• First overseas ATM withdrawal is free
• AirAsia benefits

Cons—What we don’t like about BigPay

Essentially, its fees :

• Overseas ATM withdrawal fee: 2% after first withdrawal
• Currency conversion fee: Up to 1% + network charges
• Cross-border transaction fee: 0.5% + network charges
• Mastercard Debit: 0.6% (Domestic) / 3.05% (International)
• Mastercard Credit: 0.7% (Domestic) /3.30% (International)
• Visa Debit: 1.25% (Domestic) /2.5% (International)
• Visa Credit: 2.3% (Domestic) / 3% (International)

What about Wise (formerly TransferWise)?

Wise (formerly TransferWise)’s strength lies more in its ability to remit and hold multiple types of currencies as opposed to spending money through its e-wallet. This is shown by the fact that, out of all the digital multi currency account providers, it supports the most number of currencies to store and send, at over 50. The next highest is Revolut , which stands at a decent 36.

There is something I like about Wise that’s specific to my bad travel habits. I often underestimate the cash I need overseas and end up looking for a money exchanger or ATM. If you’re like me and don’t want to pay ATM withdrawal fees, Wise lets you withdraw up to $350 for free each month.

If you’re looking for loyalty points (like the Instarem Amaze card) or travel perks (like BigPay), Wise may disappoint you. The multi-currency card provides no special benefit to everyday consumers other than the ability to spend from the wallet. You’re better off using Wise to send money to your loved ones overseas, but it depends on the region that you’re sending to as well. Find out what I mean in this article about the best remittance services .

Pros—What we like about Wise

• Free overseas ATM withdrawals —Up to 2 withdrawals (less than $350) per month.
• No joining fee
• Highest number of currencies: 40+ different currencies in more than 175 countries.
• Transparent currency conversion fees  that you can easily check online.
• Supports Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Cons—What we don’t like about Wise

• No cashback or reward benefits

Is YouTrip a good multi-currency card?

Yes, and no. Let’s talk about the “yes” parts first.

I think YouTrip’s biggest win is that it has no overseas transaction fees or currency exchange fees . Additionally, top-ups are free for Mastercard credit and debit cards as well as Visa debit cards . Recall that these will incur a 0.5-2% fee with Revolut. Instarem doesn’t charge a fee for Mastercard, but does charge 1.5% for Visa top-ups.

YouTrip’s withdrawal fees are also competitive. Your first S$400 for the month is free—slightly higher than that for Wise. After this, YouTrip will charge you a  2% withdrawal fee.

So, what’s not so good about YouTrip? For one thing, you can only store up to 10 currencies in its e-wallet.

Its rewards system is also a bit troublesome—you have to dig out your YouTrip card for its Y-number when you want to redeem something from its YouTrip Perks page .  Granted, the mobile app does it for you, I find shopping on your desktop is a more comfortable experience because you can multitask, and compare prices between two tabs.  

Better deals can also be had within the app, but it’s on a limited-time basis and not built into the functionality of the card unlike the above mentioned providers. Also, some users have reported that some of the promotions don’t work, like how this anonymous user has sent us a screen recording of a Shopee cashback deal leading to an error page, saying that the “Budget has been exhausted” .

However, if you already have a YouTrip card sitting in your wallet, make use of the 0% foreign transaction fee to buy stuff online in other currencies or link it to foreign mobile apps such as WeChat or Taobao.

Pros—What we like about YouTrip

• No overseas transaction fees
• No currency exchange fees
• Free top ups for Mastercard credit/debit cards and Visa debit cards
• First $400/month free ATM withdrawal

Cons—What we don’t like about YouTrip

• Limited to only 10 currencies
• Desktop experience is cumbersome
• No cashback benefits

Between mid-market rates, wholesale rates, and real-time exchange rates: what’s the difference?

As a consumer, this is not something that you should base your decision on. Essentially what those above mentioned terms are talking about is the constantly changing rates of foreign currencies, and you can check it through the tools provided by Visa , Mastercard and Reuters . The difference will mostly boil down to the nearest cent, as illustrated in the Instarem Amaze card review .  

Does that mean I don’t have to exchange foreign currencies ever again?

For short trips and urban cities, you may be able to get away with not having the local currency in cash, and just rely on debit. In most cases though, I reckon you’d still want to make a trip to  Change Alley or Mustafa Centre to prepare some cash on hand.

This is because many countries are still very dependent on cash and the limit of S$350 for Wise (formerly TransferWise) and S$1,050 for Revolut (with Metal Plan, S$350 otherwise) without fees may not be sufficient for long trips.

Don’t forget that you’d have to hunt down the right ATM terminal overseas to get fee-free withdrawals. Otherwise, admin/processing fees may apply.

Is using a digital multi currency account better than a bank’s?

Banks rely on legacy structures that are still in place, which can mean unfavourable exchange rates and high fees.

However, borderless multi-currency accounts like Instarem, Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are not tied to legacy structures like the SWIFT network and multiple bank partnerships. Therefore, they can provide much lower fees, up to 6 times cheaper for currency conversion and remittance.

Example: SGD to THB on 6 Dec 2023

*Before fees are applied.

As you can see, Wise’s rate is the closest to XE’s live rate. Factoring in Wise’s transfer fees of approximately 0.58%, converting S$1,000 costs $5.77, yielding a net of THB 26,060. Overall, that still yields the most. 

A digital multi-currency account may be more convenient to apply for as well. Opening a bank account comes with requirements, one of which is to maintain a minimum balance. You don’t have to do that for electronic multi-currency accounts.

An irritating thing about using a multi-currency savings account is that you’d retain cents in various currencies that can’t be converted back after your travels.

With a digital multi-currency account like Wise, you can spend with your borderless Mastercard or Visa card and have the system choose the best existing currency to convert from. This gives you a chance to spend loose cents that you can’t convert back to Singapore Dollars.

That said, using a local multiplier savings account is convenient as you can use it to pay and withdraw money in Singapore seamlessly. You can also earn interest rates on certain foreign currencies.

In contrast, you can only withdraw up to $350 per month with no card fees overseas. This is with an electronic multi-currency account, and you can’t withdraw local currency in Singapore when the Payment Services Act was enforced in 2019.

That being said, the world is a lot different from what it used to be 3 years ago. Digital multi currency card accounts have caught up to the level of banks in terms of rewards and cashback promotions, whilst being on the bleeding edge of financial technology. Don’t miss out!

Know anyone who’s making travel plans? Share this article with them!

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Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines .

The 5 best travel money cards for singapore in 2024.

Singapore is a vibrant place to visit with amazing nightlife, delicious food and a gateway to the rest of the world, it has a lot to offer visiting Australians.

In Singapore you are likely to pay for accommodation, food, transport and entertainment as well as withdraw cash from ATMs with your card.

We have looked at a number of best travel card for overseas in 2024 and have summarised their best points.

Best 6 Travel Money Cards for Singapore in 2024:

• Wise Travel Card - for the best exchange rates
• Revolut Travel Card for low fees
• Travelex Money Card - best all rounder
• HSBC Global Everyday Debit Card for ATM cash withdrawals
• Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card for lowest interest rate
• ING One Low Rate Credit Card with no annual fee

Wise Travel Card - Best Exchange Rates

• 40+ currencies available
• Best exchange rates globally
• One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
• No international transaction fees
• No annual or monthly fees
• Extremely low costs to send money overseas

Wise Travel Card

• Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
• Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise Card charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
• Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
• Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
• It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
• Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted

The Wise Travel Card is an excellent choice for people traveling to Singapore, offering a multitude of benefits tailored to international visitors. One of the key advantages is access to over 40 currencies at the interbank exchange rate, widely acknowledged as the most cost-effective globally. This is particularly useful for travelers coming to Singapore, as they can exchange their home currency for Singapore Dollars (SGD) at very competitive rates. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees. Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.

Revolut - Best Exchange Rates

• 30+ currencies available
• One of the best exchange rates globally
• No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
• No initial card fee
• Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies

Read our Revolut Card Review

Revolut Travel Card

• No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
• Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
• Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
• Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.

Travelex Money Card - Best All Rounder

Best features.

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• Initial and replacement card are free
• Lock in up to 10 currencies

Read our Travelex Review

Travelex Money Card

• Minimum load of $100 and maximum load of $100,000
• Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
• Fees include a $10 closure fee, $5 for an additional card and $4 inactivity monthly fee.
• While Travelex don't charge ATM fees, some ATM operators may charge their own fees.
• Currencies that can be loaded are AU$, US$, EU€, GB£, NZ$, TH฿, CA$, HK$, JP¥, SG$
• If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
• Boingo hotspots offer free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Travelex Money Card is a good all-rounder no matter if you are heading to the bustling streets of Hong Kong or visiting the serene Lantau Island.

You can use it to take money out of the ATM, for merchant purchases like restaurants and even for online shopping in foreign currency. While the exchange rates aren't as good as Wise or Revolut for travelling , the support network if the card is lost or stolen is very good. This service can be extremely useful when journeying across the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong.

HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card - Best Travel Card by Bank

• Great exchange rate offered for Singapore dollars (SGD)
• No ATM fees at HSBC tellers
• No initial card, closure, account keeping or monthly fees
• No cross currency conversion fees

HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card

• 10 Currencies can be loaded are SGD, AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, NZD, HKD and CNY (currency restrictions on CNY)
• No maximum balance for any currency
• Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
• ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
• Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100.
• Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
• Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability

The HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card offers a great exchange rate for Singapore dollars, ATMs, so you can withdraw cash without the hefty overseas ATM fees.

In addition it does not charge an ‘international transaction fee’ so you can spend in Singapore and online in Australia and not pay an additional 3%.

Finally, on top of the excellent currency exchange rate, there is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate

• Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
• No international transaction fees on purchases
• Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
• Low annual fee
• Complimentary international travel insurance

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card

• Free annual fee first year, then $69 annual fee
• Free international travel insurance that includes the basics but does not cover cancellation costs, pre existing conditions and travellers over 80
• $6,000 minimum credit card
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then reverts to 9.90%
• 21.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances
• Cash advance fee of the higher of $4 or 2% of cash advance

The Bankwest Breeze Platinum is a great no frills credit card that offers ‘no foreign transaction fees’ and the lowest interest rate on the market, at 9.90%. These two factors alone will save you hundreds of dollars when travelling throughout Singapore.

In addition it has a low annual fee and complimentary international travel insurance. Finally for its price point it is a great value credit card that will be accepted most places in Singapore.

ING One Low Rate Credit Card - No Annual Fee

• No annual fee
• Up to 45 days interest free on purchases
• Lowest cash advance interest rate of 11.99%
• Use instalment plans to pay off your purchases over time at a lower interest rate

ING One Low Rate Credit Card

• 11.99% interest rate on purchases
• Make payments from your mobile with pay with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• International ATM fee and Foreign currency conversion fee are waived when you deposit $1,000 into your Orange Everyday each month, and make 5+ card purchases that are settled. Otherwise they are the higher of 3% or at least $3
• Put repayments on auto payment each month to pay the minimum balance or full amount

The ING One Low Rate credit card is a great option to take to Singapore as it charges no annual fee and offers a low interest rate for purchases and cash advances of 11.99%. The cash advance interest rate is very low and about 50% less than most of its competitors who charge around 22% on cash advances.

Furthermore the ING One Low Rate credit card has no international transaction fees, so you can save money on your travels and when you buy goods from overseas. It's a handy backup card to have in your wallet when travelling through Singapore.

Learn more about the best credit, debit and prepaid cards for travel

Best Credit Card for Overseas Travel

International Prepaid Cards

Overseas Debit Card

The best travel card for Singapore is the Wise Multi Currency card for tap or swipe large transactions like accommodation and restaurants. Wise offers the best exchange rate for Singapore dollars globally and charges no international transaction fees.

HSBC Global and Citibank Plus cards are the best for ATM withdrawals and great exchange rates for Singapore dollars. Both these cards charge no international transaction fee and can be used within Australia without penalties.

The best credit cards for Singapore are the BankWest Platinum Breeze and ING One Low Rate as they have the lowest interest rates on the market with and charge no international transaction fees.

Yes, you should bring cash to Singapore and buy Singapore dollars before you travel to Singapore. It is one of the best ways to take money to Singapore. Having Singapore dollars on hand when you arrive at the airport will make your life a lot easier. The airport is also the most expensive place to exchange currency, so you will save a lot of money as well. Even though Singapore is card friendly, having cash on hand will always be handy for small purchases, tipping and paying for transport.

HSBC and Citibank have the best travel money cards for Singapore. Both have lots of ATMs within Singapore, both offer fantastic exchange rates for the Singapore dollar and both offer ‘no international transaction fees’.

A travel money card is more secure than cash because you need your pin to authorise transactions, if you lose cash you are unlikely to have it returned. If your travel money card is stolen, then you can report it lost or stolen online quickly. It is also less bulky to carry 2 or 3 cards than lots of cash.

The best prepaid cards for Singapore are Wise , HSBC and Citibank which offer the most competitive cards in the market. Other older style prepaid cards like Australia Post, Cash Passport, Travel Money Oz and Travelex have lots of charges like load, unload, inactivity, ATM withdrawals and initial card fees.

You can place money on your travel money card online and paying by direct debit from your bank account will cost you the least. Log in to your bank account, transfer your funds into the travel money card and the money should be there within 24 hours.

As a general rule, working out how much money to take to Singapore depends on where you go and your type of travel. If you travel on a budget to Singapore it can cost from $70 a day. If you travel in the middle range throughout Singapore it can cost from $150 per day. Finally if you travel with luxury throughout Singapore it can cost anywhere from $300 per day.

You can only use Singapore dollars in Singapore, you can not use Australian dollars or US dollars . The currency in Singapore is the Singapore dollar. There are 4 commonly used bank notes with different colours, they are $2, $5, $10, $50, $500 and $1,000. There are 5 coins, they are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1.

More Travel Card Guides

Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

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S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for Singapore

Singapore isn’t a cheap destination. But using a travel money card can help cut the costs of your well earned break. Spend and withdraw conveniently, and pick from a great selection of travel money cards covering travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards. All of these card types have their own features and fees - but where they’re similar is in that they have been optimised for travel use, which means you can often get great rates, low fees, and extra perks when you’re spending in Singapore.

Read on for all you need to know, including a closer look at travel money card types, some great options to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose.

Wise – good value debit card for Singapore

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let’s start with the Wise card as a good all-round option that allows you to hold and spend Singapore dollars, as well as a diverse range of other world currencies.

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee.

You can either top up your account in ringgit and switch to Singapore dollars before you travel, or you can let the card automatically switch currencies as required. As soon as you order your physical Wise card, you can also create a Wise virtual card, which means there’s no need to wait to spend - just add your virtual card to a wallet like Apple Pay and you’re good to go.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversion, with low transparent fees from 0.43%. You can also get MYR and SGD bank account details, as well as local account details for up to 8 other currencies, to receive convenient payments to your Wise account .

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the Wise travel money debit card , to help you decide if it's suitable for you.

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card can be used for payments online and in stores, and for cash withdrawals, just like your regular bank card can be. However, with a travel money card you’ll find the features and fees have been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees. Some travel cards also have options to earn cashback and rewards when you use your card internationally.

6 travel money cards for Singapore compared

We’ll look at each of these card options in a little more detail in just a moment, but let’s start with an overview of how 6 top travel money cards for Singapore line up side by side:

As you can see, the features of different travel money cards can vary pretty widely. In general travel debit cards can be convenient and often fairly cheap to use, while travel credit cards can offer some nice perks like cashback or rewards - but do mean you might run into interest and late payment charges, depending on how you choose to pay.

Travel debit cards often let you top up a linked account online or through an app, so you can set your budget and can’t spend more than you intend. Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

Broadly speaking, Malaysian customers are able to select a travel money card from either a regular bank or a specialist provider, which may be a travel debit card, travel prepaid card or a travel credit card. We’ll walk through what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

1. Travel debit cards

2. Travel prepaid cards

3. Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards for Singapore

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and convert a currency balance. While different cards have their own features, travel debit cards can usually be topped up easily online and through an app, with the option to see your balance and get transaction notifications through your phone too. That makes it easier to keep on top of your money, no matter where in the world you are.

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

There’s no fee to open a Wise account , and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

No fee to open a Wise account, no minimum balance requirement

• 13.7 MYR one time fee to get your Wise card

Physical and virtual cards available

2 withdrawals, to 1,000 MYR value per month for free, then 5 MYR + 1.75%

Hold SGD and 40+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Get local account details to receive MYR, SGD and 8 other currencies conveniently

Read our full Wise card review to learn more.

Travel debit card Option 2: BigPay

BigPay is a popular e-wallet and card available to residents in Singapore and Malaysia. You can get your card for a one time fee, and also access a virtual card for online and mobile payments. You won’t be able to hold foreign currencies in your account, but your MYR balance is switched to the currency you need when you’re abroad using the network exchange rate and a low foreign transaction fee of around 1%.

Popular e-wallet with lots of other features like bill payment and remittance

No annual fee and no credit check

Virtual card available as well as physical card

Relatively low foreign transaction fee of up to 1% depending on payment type

Earn AirAsia points when you spend

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in Singapore

How much does a travel debit card cost.

There’s usually an issuance fee to pay to get your travel card, which may cover the physical card or the delivery for example. In most cases, this is a one off charge which can work out to be fairly good value if you use your card on an ongoing basis.

How to choose the best travel debit card for Singapore?

There’s no single best travel debit card for Singapore - it really all depends on your personal preferences and how you expect to transact. If you travel a lot you may prefer to get an account with mid-market currency exchange and a large selection of supported currencies as well as SGD and MYR, like Wise . On the other hand, BigPay is a popular local e-wallet and card, which has a fairly low 1% foreign transaction fee and other perks like help with budgeting and analysing your spending.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in Singapore?  

Different providers set their own limits for card use. Limits may apply daily, weekly or monthly, and can apply to different types of transactions. You might find you have a limit to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make per day, for example, or the value of contactless payments - these limits are set for security and can sometimes be managed and changed in the provider’s app.

ATM Withdrawals 

The costs of making ATM withdrawals does vary a lot based on the card you pick. Some - like Bigpay - have a flat fee, while others like Wise have a set limit for fee free withdrawals with low fees based on the withdrawal amount after that.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards for Singapore

With a prepaid travel card you’ll need to order a card and add funds, to pay merchants and make cash withdrawals. Prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely. Terms, conditions, features and fees do vary quite a bit, so compare a few before you pick

Prepaid travel card option 1: Enrich Money

The Enrich Money is issued by Malaysian Airlines in conjunction with Merchantrade, and allows you to top up conveniently in advance of spending globally. There are free top up options, and some which come with a fee - and once you have a balance in ringgit you can exchange it to the currency you need, from the selection of 20 supported currencies. You’ll earn rewards as you spend which you can convert to balance to spend with no foreign transaction fee to spend in supported currencies when you’re abroad.

Hold and spend 20 popular global and regional currencies

Visa network for easy spending and withdrawals

Manage your card in an app for ease and earn rewards you can convert to cash back

1.75% fee to spend an unsupported currency

Annual and card issuance fees apply, as well as a refundable deposit

Prepaid travel card option 2: Aeon Prepaid Mastercard

The Aeon Prepaid Mastercard can be used at home and abroad anywhere you see the Mastercard logo. You can top up in a variety of ways, including using cash at an Aeon location - fees may apply depending on the method you use to load funds. Once you have money on your card, you can also get extra benefits when you shop with Aeon partner merchants, and free ATM withdrawals at Aeon ATMs.

No annual fee and no minimum income requirement

Spend anywhere Mastercard is accepted

Relatively low 1% foreign transaction fee

Get discounts and rewards with partner merchants

Safe and convenient to use

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in Singapore

How much does a prepaid card cost.

The costs of prepaid travel cards can vary quite a lot. There can also be a few fees to consider - the Enrich card for example, has an issuance fee, an annual fee and a returnable deposit that you’ll need to pay upfront. Double check the terms of the card you prefer so you know what to expect.

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for Singapore?

The best travel prepaid card for Singapore for you will depend entirely on your personal preference and what’s important to you. Enrich Money may be the natural choice if you use Malaysian Airlines a lot and want to hold a multi-currency balance for spending while earning rewards. The Aeon prepaid card is also a good bet with great global acceptance and no fees to make local ATM withdrawals when you’re in an Aeon location.

Prepaid travel card spending limit

Different prepaid travel cards set their own limits for spending and withdrawals, which can vary between currencies. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

ATM withdrawals with prepaid cards

Prepaid travel cards may charge a fee when you make an out of network or international ATM withdrawal. It’s common to find there are some options for fee free local withdrawals in Malaysia, but costs of about 10 MYR are often added when you’re overseas.

3. Travel Credit Cards for Singapore

Travel credit cards are similar to any other credit card, but with more international features, such as low or no foreign transaction fees or extra options to earn rewards when you’re abroad. In general, travel credit cards are safe and convenient but can be more expensive compared to using a debit card option. Before you select the right card for you it’s important to check the fees, rates, eligibility rules and interest rates which apply, so you can make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Travel credit card option 1: RHB Visa Signature

The RHB Signature credit card lets you earn cash back on spending, with a tiered system which rewards more the more you spend. Local spending can attract up to 6% cash back, while you’ll also get up to 2% cash back when you’re spending in Singapore. There’s no annual fee to pay with this card, and a relatively low 1% foreign transaction fee, which may make it an attractive pick for your next trip overseas.

Up to 2% cash back on foreign currency spending

80,000 MYR minimum annual income required

Free lounge access 5x per year, and discounts on additional lounge visits

Complimentary travel insurance

Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Maybank Visa Signature

The Maybank Visa Signature card is a premium card which has an annual fee of 550 MYR, but which offers 5x rewards on overseas spending, and lots of perks to make your trips abroad that bit easier. You’ll get access to fast track immigration clearance at airports, and can use the Visa concierge service for extra help when you need it - just bear in mind that the foreign transaction fee can be up to 2.25% which is on the higher side.

Annual fee waived in year one, then 550 MYR annually

5x Treats points for overseas spending, plus rewards when you spend at home

70,000 MYR to 100,000 MYR minimum income required

Airport speed pass to give you fast track immigration clearance in hundreds of airports

Travel insurance coverage and concierge services available

Pros and cons of using credit cards in Singapore

How much does a travel credit card cost.

The fees for your travel credit card can include several different charges - an annual fee, interest costs and penalties if you don’t pay on time for example. You can find some travel credit cards with no annual fee, but others which have more premium benefits are likely to have high fees so read the terms and conditions carefully before you choose.

How to choose the best travel credit card for Singapore?

Doing some research is the only way to pick the best travel credit card for Singapore for your own specific needs and preferences. Before you choose, make sure you weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the benefits and rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile, and bear in mind that you’ll run into interest charges if you don’t clear down your bill every month, too.

Which cards are accepted in Singapore?

Different cards are issued on their own card networks - and while all the cards we’ve covered in this guide are globally accepted, some networks are more popular in one country than they may be in another. Visa and Mastercard are usually a good bet for  a card you want to use in Singapore - but it’s helpful to know that some other card networks like American Express and Discover are less popular.

Generally the best idea - in Singapore or anywhere else you may travel - is to have more than one means of payment with you, as a backup plan. For example you might want to take a credit card and a specialist travel money card which has been issued on a different network, plus a little cash, so that you always have options if your preferred payment method isn’t available.

Travel credit card spending limit

Your travel credit card spending limit will vary depending on the issuer’s policy. You’ll be notified of the details for your card when your application is approved.

ATM withdrawals with travel credit cards

ATM withdrawals made with a travel credit card will usually mean paying a cash advance fee of around 5% of the withdrawal value, and immediate interest. Interest is likely to be set at the top end of the range that applies to your card - often about 18%.

How much money do I need in Singapore?

Singapore isn’t a cheap destination - but as a close neighbour with some great attractions, it’s still a popular place for Malaysians to visit. The costs of your trip can vary a lot depending on what you’re up to, so set your budget carefully. Here are a few tips on pricing:

Compare the costs  of your trip based on your specific plans, with Numbeo.com .

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for Singapore?

If you’ve planned travel to Singapore you might want to get a travel money card for simple SGD spending. Travel money cards have different features, and can be picked up via banks or online specialists.

You could opt for a low cost travel debit card which comes with a linked account to hold a selection of currencies - Wise account . Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the Aeon Prepaid Mastercard which has some nice perks if you’re frequently in Aeon locations. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees.

Use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

FAQs - Best travel cards for Singapore 2024

There’s no single best card to use in Singapore. Which is right for you will depend on your preferences and spending patterns. One good option is to get a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise which you can use in Singapore and on future trips, too, as you’ll be able to hold, spend and exchange SGD and MYR alongside dozens of other major currencies.

Spending with your card is convenient when travelling in Singapore, but you’ll be best off having several different payment methods just in case your first choice isn’t supported. For example, you could choose 2 different debit or credit cards, issued on different networks, and you could also get some dollars in advance so you have some cash on you for those odd times when cards aren’t available.

You can usually make cash withdrawals with a credit card in Singapore at any ATM that supports your card network. You’ll often find that a fee applies, and you may start to accumulate interest on the withdrawn amount immediately. Travel money debit cards from providers like Wise can be a lower cost option for cash withdrawals in SGD.

You can use your Malaysian card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including in Singapore, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for Singapore.

Prepaid cards from reputable providers are safe to use at home and abroad. They aren’t linked to your main bank account which can offer extra peace of mind, and may also make it easier to manage your travel budget. However, you’ll need to check the card features and fees carefully to make sure you're getting the best match for your needs.

The fees applied for travel cards can vary widely depending on the provider and the card type. With debit cards you may find ATM fees, and costs for converting currencies, although specialist providers like Wise and BigPay have linked accounts which can bring down the costs of currency conversion. Credit card fees include cash advance charges, foreign transaction fees and interest.

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A Quick Guide To The YouTrip Card – The Convenient Multi-Currency Travel Wallet With 0% Transaction Fees

Admit it, Singaporeans love to travel. Be it a quick getaway to Bali or a two-week vacation to Japan, we love it all. However, one of the main concerns most people have is whether they brought enough cash along or if they are able to use their credit cards at foreign countries.

On top of that, you might be scratching your head thinking of which card to use. Should you use the air miles credit card? The all-purpose card or the dining card?  Decisions to be made.  

And just to add on, credit cards and debit cards from banks usually carry an overseas transaction fee that falls between 2.5% to 3.5%.

Well, you’re not going to believe it, but making cashless payments overseas just got easier. 

Introducing YouTrip, the card that helps you pay overseas with no fees. A fuss-free travel is what they want to give their consumers. Started by a team passionate about travel and technology who wanted to make overseas payment easier, YouTrip is Singapore’s first multi-currency travel wallet with a prepaid Mastercard so you can pay overseas with no fees.

Here’s How YouTrip Works

Here we go – all you need is the physical YouTrip card and the YouTrip app. YouTrip is not a credit card but a mobile wallet.

Simply top up your YouTrip wallet on your mobile with any Singapore debit or credit card. The card limit is $3,000. Next, you can observe and exchange currency rates of more than 150 currencies through the app. Finally, pay with your YouTrip Mastercard for cashless payments overseas at no fees.

YouTrip also allows you to monitor exchange rates from SGD to many other currencies including USD, GBP, JPY, HKD, EUR, AUD, NZD, CHF and more.

If you are travelling overseas, you will be able to withdraw money in cash from an ATM machine that takes Cirrus, Maestro, and Mastercard, and do so at an exchange rate that is considered wholesale. There is a withdrawal fee of only $5 for this, or an equivalent in the country’s local currency. Wholesale exchange rate is the rate given to large corporations, private and public institutions, and banks since they transact large amounts of money. This amount is in real time and is very close to the amount listed on financial sites, XE.com, and Google.

The wholesale exchange rate that YouTrip uses is actually managed by YouTrip working with MasterCard and its foreign currency partners. The marginal difference is generally 0.1% – 0.4% and the live rates can be viewed in app for the 10 stored currencies. Not only is this much cheaper for you, but it also eliminates the inconvenience of having to find a forex bureau in a foreign country in which to change your cash to local currency before you can spend.

In short, YouTrip card works like an EZ-Link card (and yes they do collaborate with EZ-Link, hence, increasing their credibility). Top up the card and spend conveniently overseas. 

How Do I Get My YouTrip Card? 

If you are travelling and need a convenient card to use, or if you’re unsure whether you have exchanged enough cash, this might be the card for you. The YouTrip card brings convenience, saves time which means you will have more time to travel and enjoy your vacation!

Step 1: Download the YouTrip app from Android Play Store or iOS App Store.

Step 2: The app will then prompt you for an e-mail address or a mobile number that you wish to use with YouTrip.

Step 3: First-time users who do not have a physical YouTrip card will be required to click on the button that says, “Get A YouTrip Card For FREE.”

Card delivery is said to be between 7 – 12 business days so do apply for your YouTrip card in advance of your travels!

Step 4: Singaporeans can also use their SingPass MyInfo, which makes it easy for them to sign up because no further documentation is needed. Sign-up and verification is relatively fast.

Log into your SingPass and grand access to YouTrip to gain specific information. The information needed will include your name, date of birth, NRIC, status of citizenship and gender. Your work will be simply be to confirm that the details are accurate.

If you are not a Singapore Citizen or a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), fret not because YouTrip is available for you as well! Since you might not have SingPass, you will need to upload the necessary documents in soft copy. Alternatively, take pictures of the documents and upload them. All these can be done within the app and the documents acceptable include: Training Work Permit, Long-Term Visit Pass, Dependents Pass and EntrePass.

Step 5: Customization of your YouTrip Card. Now you are able to customize the physical card by having your name on it. The name you use on the card will need to be the same name that you have entered into the app registration to avoid having the card rejected.

Step 6: If you have a promo code, you will need to enter it at this point and then go on to confirm that you have indeed read, understood, and accepted the YouTrip terms and conditions.

The process is as simple as that. It only takes a few minutes to sign up and then you can get ready to receive your card in 7 to 12 days and enjoy the convenience and benefits it brings.

Apply for your card through Money Kinetics here  to receive a credit of $7!

The Pros Of Using YouTrip

1. Signing up is free and there is no minimum balance required. There are no annual fees as well. Spend SGD overseas at 0% transaction fees.

2. Conversion rates are very competitive. The rates on the YouTrip app are usually better than the rates at physical money changers or at least the same. Typically, there are only marginal differences of 0.1% to 0.4%.

3. You can look at the exchange rates months before your trip to observe the values. This means that you can choose to exchange your money at the right time, at the best rates without having to visit a physical money changer. You get to save time.

4. The app is pretty user-friendly and straightforward.

5. YouTrip collaborates with EZ-Link, increasing the reliability of the card. You can also use the YouTrip card for public transport.

6. Good security features. If you were to lose your card overseas, you can simply deactivate the card with a single switch on the app. Should you find your card again, you can reactivate the YouTrip card in the same way as well. Of course, if you lost both your phone and your card, you can still make a call to deactivate the card.

7. You don’t have to link your card to your bank or savings account which reduces the amount you could possibly pay should your card goes missing.

8. The YouTrip card does not charge any dormancy fees so don’t worry if you are not travelling any time soon.

9.  YouTrip regularly organizes events for its members. YouTrip users get to attend workshops that teach them travelling hacks as well as fun events to try new stuff.

For example, in March 2020, YouTrip is organizing an exclusive beer tasting workshop where attendees get to drink beers from all around the world in just two hours! How interesting is that! Sign up for the YouTrip card here to receive an instant credit of $7 and learn more about the event here.

The Cons Of Using YouTrip

1. Since the card is not linked to any bank or savings account, you will not be accumulate points, earn rebates or earn miles from your spendings. If you are really aiming to earn miles from your air miles credit card, then perhaps it would be better to charge on your credit card instead.

2. As YouTrip is a mobile wallet and not a savings account, users will not be able to earn interest by depositing money with them. As a rule of thumb, it might be better to only top up the amount you intend to spend.

3. There is a charge of $5 if there is inactivity after 12 months. Nonetheless, you can easily fix this by using the YouTrip card as an EZ-Link card for your usual public transport. (UPDATE: As of 22 July 2019, dormancy fees will no longer be applied for all users.)

4. If you are withdrawing cash overseas, there will be a $5 fee charged upfront by YouTrip.

5. Although having the card allows you to withdraw cash overseas conveniently, do check to make sure that the place you’re travelling to is under the coverage of Mastercard. There are still rural areas where they do not have enough facilities.

6. You won’t be able to top up your card if there is no internet. The YouTrip system is heavily powered by the internet and the app. Having no internet access might put you in a sticky situation if it’s your turn to pay.

7. Users will not be able to get their money back with the termination of the card. It’s a one-way mobile wallet. So, if you are planning to terminate the card, make sure to spend all the money in it first. Also, a daily spending limit of $6,000 applies.

4 Scenarios Where You Can Use Your YouTrip Card 

1. Paying For Purchases In Singapore And Overseas

Used to going cashless when paying for your meals or items?

As YouTrip supports Mastercard transactions, you can make payment with the card for both local and overseas purchases. The difference in exchange rates is usually minimal.

2. Exchanging Currency Before Your Trip

Current exchange rate is good but not travelling until months later?

YouTrip is a mobile wallet that allows you to exchange currency beforehand and store them until you need to use it. This helps you get the best rates.

3. Withdrawing Cash Overseas

Ran out of cash overseas?

Not having enough cash in a foreign land can be quite troublesome. Worry less as YouTrip allows you to withdraw cash from ATMs overseas with a small charge.

4. Taking Public Transport In Singapore

Take the bus or MRT with your YouTrip card.

The YouTrip card also works like an EZ-Link card where it supports payment for public transport. You can also use this function to ensure at least one card usage per year.

Who Holds The Money? 

One of the questions that people often ask is who holds the money once it is topped up on YouTrip.

Since it is not possible to get your money back even with the termination of the card, it might be wise to find out where exactly your money is at.

The funds are are actually kept with EZ-Link Pte Ltd in segregated bank accounts. EZ-Link is YouTrip’s card issuer in Singapore and also a licensed Mastercard prepaid card stored value facility. All transactions performed will follow the standards and rules of Mastercard.

Who Is Behind YouTrip?

Curious about who developed this multi-currency mobile wallet and app? You Technologies Group Limited is the company that developed YouTrip.

The company is currently based in Singapore and Hong Kong. The group is enthusiastic about payment, technology and travel and they have a background in top financial institutions and leading tech brands. With a focus on travelers, You Technologies Group Limited is dedicated to the creation of the very best in mobile financial services in the continent of Asia.

Working with EZ-Link Pte Ltd, they have partnered to create a top-notch travel experience for Singaporeans with this mobile wallet that deals in multiple currencies without charging conversion fees. This makes it one of their unique selling point as credit cards and debit cards offered by banks usually carry an overseas transaction fee of 2.5% to 3.5%. This also makes it an ideal card for public transport in Singapore and for making purchases online and across the world wherever Mastercard is accepted.

All in all, this is a card that is said to bring convenience to your travels and holidays. YouTrip’s website is pretty straightforward and user-friendly. Based on their features, the card might be most suitable for frequent travellers or people who prefer cashless payment methods. Though they charge a small fee for overseas cash withdrawal and that it’s a one-way ticket when depositing money into the card, their 0% transaction fee, competitive currency conversion rates (it’s the same or slightly better than physical money changers) and cashless payment methods make it a pretty convenient card to carry around.

One last thought is that if you’re planning to travel, it might be wise to deposit a part of your spending money into the YouTrip card and convert the other part to cash so that you still have some flexibility. Or, you can simply make use of the internet and transfer funds over from your debit account when you need it.

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Best Credit Cards For Travel & Overseas Spending 2024

Before you go on your vacations or business trips, there are some things you’ll probably have in mind to bring along, and your go-to travel credit cards are definitely one of the best things that you’ll need.

If you’re just starting to look around for better travel credit cards, you may find MoneySmart's credit card page helpful for you to compare different credit cards in terms of free flights, hotel stays, dining rewards, cashback, lowest fees, frequent flyer programme benefits, and more. This guide includes the best travel credit cards you can get in Singapore, plus some useful tips on how to maximise them so you can pick a suitable card for your travel needs.

Best Credit Cards For Overseas Spending

How To Maximise Your Travel Credit Cards

Tip #1: get cards that offer travel perks fast.

Depending on your spending habits, if you’re one who prefers air miles or rewards points for you to convert to air miles or other travel-related discount vouchers, picking an air miles card that offers you a generous amount of air miles for signing up is the fastest way to get the best benefits out of your card.

Travel credit cards which offer higher bonus air miles include Citi PremierMiles, DBS Altitude Card, and Amex KrisFlyer Ascend which gives you up to 45,000 miles, 38,000 miles and 21,000 miles respectively, each with a different minimum spend requirement.

Tip #2: Use a combination of credit cards for different travel benefits

Different cards offer different advantages, i.e. some will offer you bonus air miles upon your annual fee payment like Standard Chartered Visa Infinite X Card (30,000 miles upon annual fee payment), while others offer attractive cashback that is great for cruise vacations and family spending overseas or reward points to redeem shopping vouchers.

In order to maximise your credit card rewards, cashback or air miles, tap on multiple credit cards with each card specialising in a particular spending type or card feature that best suits your travel needs.

Tip #3: Picking cards with flexible rewards

Flexible rewards points programs give you a wider range of options such as redeeming points for a variety of gift cards, cash back and even airfares, hotels, cruises and car rentals.

Depending on the type of rewards points program and credit card you get, this can be a reasonable option to get more rewards from your credit cards. Usually these flexible rewards points programs are more beneficial for those who fly often for business trips and value the international business class cabins on flights or stay in budget and/or luxury hotel suites overseas.

3 Need-To-Knows About Cards For Overseas Spending:

Using your air miles credit card or cashback credit card or rewards points credit card to convert your points to air miles also means that you’ll have to pay for certain fees in exchange for all these benefits. Here are a few things to consider as you leverage on the rewards from your travel credit card for overseas spending .

• Choose flexible rewards whenever possible

Flexible rewards points like those offered by Standard Chartered Rewards+ Credit Card, OCBC 90°N Card and UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card are transferable to a variety of different airline and hotel loyalty programs while others which are more brand-specific like American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card and KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card only gives you the option to redeem them for a specific airline, which is Singapore Airlines in this case.

• Waiver of annual fees or foreign transaction fees or other conversion fees

It’s good to know which cards offer what types of fee waivers so that it’s more worthwhile to use it to gain cashback and other perks. Cards like UOB PRVI VISA Miles Card and DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card offer 1 year of fee waiver, while cards like Maybank World Mastercard will have your conversion fee waived for each conversion of points to frequent flyer miles. Others like American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card do not offer any annual fee waivers.

• Split spending over multiple cards

By using platforms like CardUp to split your overseas spending, it can actually help you to maximise your benefits so that you can gain reward points, cash rebates and air miles at the same time while using all of your cards.

Standard Chartered Rewards+ Card

CIMB VISA Signature Card

HSBC Visa Infinite Credit Card

Standard Chartered Journey Card

If you’re looking for a generous welcome bonus air miles, Standard Chartered’s Journey Card offers 45,000 miles upon sign-up as a new primary cardholder and meet the required minimum spending. To qualify for the 45,000 air miles, you’ll have to spend $5,000 within 30 days of card approval, transact $5,000 worth of spending on overseas transactions, and pay the annual fee.

This card lets you earn 3 miles for every S$1 spent on various categories including transportation, food delivery and online grocery merchants. Moreover, you can enjoy 2 complimentary visits to Priority Pass lounges around the world each year, complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to S$500,000, and more.

HSBC TravelOne Card

The welcome bonus of 20,000 air miles may not seem as attractive as what Standard Chartered Journey Card offers, but the HSBC TravelOne Card’s minimum spending requirement is definitely lesser than that of the SCB Journey Card, and you’re entitled to more lounge benefits including 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year.

Besides that, the HSBC TravelOne Card’ offers you up to 2.4 miles (6X Reward points) for every $1 spent overseas, upon payment of an annual fee and a minimum spend of S$800. Annual fee waiver benefits are available with a minimum total annual spending of $25,000.

Purchase your travel insurance here

Get up to 40% off your travel insurance with our exclusive Moneysmart promotions!

3 Need-To-Knows About Cards For Air Miles:

With so many types of credit cards out there offering air miles, you may wonder which card suits you the most. To get started, you’ll need to know a few things about air miles credit cards before getting one.

• Avoid air miles cards with high fees

Paying off the balance of your account every month can get rather expensive for some air miles credit cards, because the high interest charges will cost more than the value of any miles you could earn.

• Go for cards with lower foreign transaction fees

For those who plan to pay in SGD instead of overseas currencies, it’ll be better to use credit cards offered by banks like CIMB and Standard Chartered that charge some of the lowest foreign transaction fees in Singapore.

• Compare miles earn rates & bonus air miles

Highest mile per dollar spend ratio, most bonus air miles and air miles with no expiry are some of the factors to look out for when choosing your air miles cards. Some cards offer higher miles per dollar spend ratio so you don’t have to spend as much to get more air miles, while some banks offer generous welcome bonus air miles upon signing up for certain air miles credit cards which gives you a lot of air miles in a short amount of time without having you to spend a minimum amount over time to get more air miles. Other cards offer earned miles that don’t expire, which comes in handy in uncertain situations like the COVID-19 pandemic that made travel plans a challenge at times.

Best Air Miles Credit Cards

DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card

UOB KrisFlyer Card

UOB PRVI Miles Card

American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

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Best Credit Cards For Hotel Stays

UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card

DBS Woman's World Card

DBS Altitude American Express Card

Related links.

Best Credit Cards for Movies Singapore (2024)

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Personal    |    Business

Best Multi-currency Card For Travel Spending 2022: YouTrip vs Instarem Amaze vs Revolut vs Wise

Planning to travel in 2022? Read on for a comprehensive guide to the best multi-currency cards around — we’re comparing exchange rates, fees, P2P transfer features and more that will benefit travellers and online shoppers alike!

Looking back on 2021, one of the best things that happened was the reopening of borders for travel hands down! If you’re one of the lucky few who managed to get some time away from work, you’re probably planning your dream VTL getaway for 2022 right now and considering all your financial options. There are a couple of things to consider when you’re travelling — changing money for overseas expenditure, security of your transactions, how to split money fairly amongst your buddies to minimise complications, hidden fees that come with bank cards and other rewards for spending. To make things easier, we’ve pulled together a table with the top players in the multi-currency card game right now so you can be fully prepared for your next travel expedition whenever that may be. Read on to find out!

Which Multi-currency Card is Good For Travel Spending?

*No charges on weekdays: between 18:00 New York time on Sunday and 17:00 New York time on Friday, except for transactions involving rare currency like THB or UAH which will incur a 1% fee. In addition, a 2% fee applies for exchanges involving THB or UAH on weekends. (Source: Revolut )

This multi-currency card is for the minimalist — fuss-free, no-frills travellers who just want a secure way to convert currency and go cashless on the road (of course there’s the option to withdraw cash but it’ll cost you S$5 per transaction), whilst also being able to shop on different websites in foreign currency with the same card. Savvy spenders would steer clear of topping up with Visa credit cards to avoid the extra 1.5% service fee, but keep tabs on their app for YouTrip Perks deals whenever they are shopping online.

If you’ve got loved ones overseas and find yourself constantly transferring cash in foreign currency, Wise is your best bet because they allow each user to store 56 currencies at one time! Just note that there is a 0.35-2.22% conversion fee for each transaction. Also, remember to top up with PayNow or bank transfer to avoid the fees that come with every debit or credit card top-up.

Tech-savvy individuals will love Revolut for its user interface which effectively makes it the perfect digital alternative to your usual traditional bank options. It works great with Apple Pay and Google Pay for added convenience. Plus, they offer a 1% cashback — if you’re willing to fork up S$199 per year or S$19.99 a month. Just be wary of the 0.5-2% rate markup* on weekends or when using rare currency (more info below the table).

If YouTrip is for the minimalist, Amaze is for the maximalist. You’re a maximalist if you believe more is more — and you’ve got a stack of credit or debit cards to prove it. Well, Amaze allows you to link up to five of them up and skip the top-up step, instead, using their card as an intermediary to earn 1% cashback on top of the various cards’ miles or points. Unfortunately, unlike the rest of the cards, the exact fees and markups were hard to identify based on their website so be sure to do a little more research before proceeding!

So How Much Would Spending With Each Multi-Currency Card Cost?

Let’s say you’re planning to buy a Medium Classic Chanel Flap Bag in Caviar Leather from the US even after the recent 12.8% increase that happened in late 2021. Based on our research , the bag currently costs about US$8,800. This is way cheaper than the S$13,190 price tag in Singapore. But let’s see how much it’ll cost when using all four of these multi-currency cards!

Time of exchange: 10 Jan 2022, 9.44 am

So Which Travel Card Is Best For Me?

🏆 For The Minimalistic Savvy Traveller & Online Shopper: YouTrip

🏆 For Comprehensive Remittance Function: Wise

🏆 For Digital Alternative To Traditional Bank Accounts: Revolut

🏆 For Credit Card Enthusiasts: Amaze

Even if you aren’t travelling soon, remember to use your YouTrip card when online shopping to skip out on all that additional fees and mark-ups on exchange rates to make sure you are getting the best value out of every dollar. 

If you still haven’t gotten your free YouTrip card yet, sign up now! Be sure to check out our  YouTrip Perks  page for exclusive offers and promotions too! For more great tips and articles like this, join our  Telegram(@YouTripSG)  and  subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here  or down below! 

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group  @YouTripSquad ? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

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Here’s Everything You Need to Know About YouTrip YouTrip Referral Programme: Get $5 Every Time You Refer A Friend! YouTrip New Feature: Send Money Instantly, In Any Currency, With YouTrip Send!

iChange Vs YouTrip Comparison 2024

iChange vs YouTrip — which is the better card? 🤔

PayPal Currency Conversion and Exchange Rates Guide 2024

Here’s to more savings 💰

Best Travel Agency in Singapore 2024: Your Guide To Stress-Free Travel Planning

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at Don Quijote Japan!

Up to 10% tax free + 5% additional discount

• Valid till 01 Oct 2024
• Flash the discount coupon at the payment counter & pay with YouTrip during checkout in store (Click discount coupon)
• Enjoy additional 5% discount with min 10,000 yen (JPY) spent excluding tax
• We want to help you get your discount! 1. Ensure that you t ap the " Discount C oupon"  banner below to go to the barcode screen. 2. Present the coupon screen to the cashier staff at the time of payment. 3. Lastly, tap the "Use Coupon" button.
• Valid until 01 October 2024.
• [Japanese temporary returnees] who purchased tax-free goods are eligible for the coupon.
• Foreign diplomat(s) are not eligible for tax exemption.
• Eligible Stores: Don Quijote, APITA, and PIAGO Stores in Japan (Excluding some stores)
• Tap the coupon banner below to go to the barcode screen.
• Present the coupon screen to the cashier staff at the time of payment.
• Last, tap the “Use Coupon” button.
• This coupon is valid only once for tax-free transactions of 10,000 yen (excluding tax) or more.
• Please note that the following items are not included & eligible for the discount: Alcohol, cigarettes, POSA cards, game consoles, products costing more than 100,000 yen (excluding tax), and products with price restrictions, etc.
• Please be sure to present the coupon at the time of payment.
• Please note that the discount cannot be applied if the coupon is presented after payment has been completed.
• Please note that the coupon is unaccessible from mobile screenshots.
• This coupon cannot be used with other discounts, services, or majica cards.
• Any outstanding balance after deducting the face value of the coupon must be paid in full using YouTrip Card.
• The offer is subject to terms and conditions of Don Quijote. In case of dispute, the decision of Don Quijote and YouTrip shall be final.

Up to 9% cashback at Charles & Keith!

9% cashback (New Charles & Keith users)

• Valid till 31 December 2023
• Pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Receive cashback within 45 days after checkout

3% cashback (Existing Charles & Keith users)

• Valid from 31 December 2023
• We want to help you get your cashback! 1. Ensure that you follow through with your purchase once you click on “Redeem Deal” on YouTrip Perks. 2. If you jump out of the check-out process (even if to check on a message or just happen to close your browser), click through YouTrip Perks again to re-purchase to get your cashback.
• Only purchases made through the Charles & Keith affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Charles & Keith whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Purchase must be made within the same window.
• Cookies must be enabled on your browser for cashback to be tracked.
• Cashback will not be awarded for cancelled or refunded orders.
• Cashback will be awarded after 45 days from the date of purchase.
• Cashback rate will be subjected to the merchant’s discretion and the eligibility of selected products.
• Cashback rate for Charles & Keith varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Purchases made via the Charles & Keith mobile app will not be eligible for cashback.

8% off at SGPomades!

$8 off min S$50 spend

• Valid till 31 December 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP8' during checkout
• Enjoy 8% off min S$50 spend upon checkout
• Promo code only applicable when using your YouTrip Mastercard upon checkout.
• 1 redemption per customer only
• Promo codes are not exchangeable for cash.
• Valid only for original price items.
• Not stackable with existing promotions.
• Exclusions Apply.

3% cashback at Dyson!

3% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Dyson affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Dyson whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Dyson accessories will not be eligible for cashback.

4% cashback at UNIQLO!

4% cashback

• Only purchases made through the UNIQLO affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to UNIQLO whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to 11% cashback at Trip.com!

Up to 11% cashback

• Receive cashback 45 days after checkout
• Only purchases made through the Trip.com affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Cashback up to 11% for Hotels and 3% for Flights from 2 June 2024 to 7 June 2024, after which cashback will revert back to 6% (Hotels) & 2% (Flights)
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Trip.com whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate will be subjected to the merchant’s discretion and the eligibility of selected activities.
• Cashback rate for Trip.com varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Please refer to the table below for full cashback rates.

25% off at HOUZE!

25% off min $60 spend

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP25' during checkout
• Enjoy 25% off min $60 spend upon checkout
• Only 1 promo code may be used at a time.

25% off at Table Matters!

Up to $260 cashback and KrisShop e-Vouchers at Singapore Airlines!

$20 cashback with min $500 spend

• Valid till 26 November 2021
• Pay using YouTrip at checkout
• Register through YouTrip's campaign registration form
• Enjoy up to 4x cashback rewards per booking
• Receive cashback by 31 December 2021
• Limited to the first 1,000 redemptions
• Only bookings made via the SIA website, Mobile App or selected list of SIA appointed travel agents within the campaign period and redemption limit will be eligible for cashback.
• For full T&Cs, please visit https://www.you.co/sg/youtrip-singapore-airlines-cashback-tnc/

$30 KrisShop e-Voucher with min $500 spend

• Enjoy up to 6x KrisShop e-Vouchers per booking
• Limited to the first 4,000 redemptions
• Only bookings made via the SIA website, Mobile App or selected list of SIA appointed travel agents within the campaign period and redemption limit will be eligible for KrisShop e-Voucher rewards
• Offer is strictly applicable to flights to and from the following destinations only: Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, PAris, Rome, San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver
• For full T&Cs, please visit https://www.you.co/sg/youtrip-singapore-airlines-krisshop-tnc/

Up to 10% off at Expedia!

Up to 10% off

• Valid till 30 Jun 2023
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'MASTER10' during checkout
• Enjoy 10% off (Capped at S$70) upon checkout
• Booking period Now till 30 Jun 2023
• Stay period: Now till 31 September 2023
• Participating “Expedia Rate” hotels refer to hotels labelled “Expedia Rate” and are not on the exclusion list available at the booking page.
• Up to 10% discount coupon on hotel bookings at thousands of participating properties globally. 10% savings with promo code MASTER10 – Singapore: Discount value capped at SGD70 per transaction
• No minimum stay requirement.
• Coupon only applies to first room in the booking.

Up to 6% cashback at JD Sports!

6% cashback (Regular-priced items)

2% cashback (Sale Items)

• Only purchases made through the JD Sports affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to JD Sports whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for JD Sports varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

Up to 5% cashback at ASOS

Up to 5% cashback (New ASOS users)

3% cashback (Existing ASOS users purchases via Web)

2% cashback (Existing ASOS users purchases via App)

• Only purchases made through the ASOS affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to ASOS whenever you are making a new transaction.

10% off at SweatSpot!

10% off all packages

• Valid till 12 April 2022
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP' upon checkout
• Enjoy 10% off upon checkout

10% cashback at Taobao!

10% cashback with min S$50 spend

• Valid till 31 January 2022
• Register and spend a minimum of $50 and pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Register for promotion here
• For first 750 users only
• 10% cashback with minimum spend of $50.
• Limited to the first 750 users on a first come, first served basis. 
• Payment must be charged to a YouTrip Mastercard. 
• The required minimum spend must be in a single transaction before any other promo codes, vouchers or coupons. Minimum spend excludes all taxes and fees, including but not limited to shipping and handling, unless otherwise stated.
• All purchases made in conjunction with the Offer are subject to prevailing taxes and service charges where applicable. 
• YouTrip makes no warranty or representation as to the quality, merchantability or fitness for purpose of any goods or services purchased from the merchant. Any dispute about the same must be resolved directly with the merchant. 
• YouTrip shall not be responsible for any loss, injury, claim, damage or expense arising from the redemption of the Offer or the use of the goods and services purchased from a merchant.
• YouTrip is not an agent of Taobao or any merchant, or vice versa.
• All information is correct at time of print. YouTrip will not be responsible for any changes which occur after print.
• YouTrip reserves the right to vary the terms and conditions of the Offer or withdraw or discontinue the Offer by providing written notice to the other party at least 7 days in advance and indemnify the direct economic loss of the other party caused by YouTrip’s behavior under the clause.

Up to 10% cashback at Shopee!

Up to 10% cashback (New Shopee users)

3% cashback (Existing Shopee users)

• All cashback will be capped at S$5.00
• Only purchases made through the Shopee affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Shopee whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Shopee varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Please refer to the table below for product cashback rates

Up to 7% cashback at Sephora!

7% cashback (New Sephora users)

2.5% cashback (Existing Sephora users)

• Only purchases made through the Sephora affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Sephora whenever you are making a new transaction.

$20 cashback at Circles.Life!

$20 cashback (For new Circles.Life customers)

• Only purchases made through the Circles.Life affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Circles.Life whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Not applicable for purchases made via the Circles.Life mobile application

Up to 12% cashback at AirAsia Food

12% cashback (New AirAsia Food Customers)

• Valid till 31 December 2022

6% cashback (Existing AirAsia Food Customers)

• Only purchases made through the AirAsia Food affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to AirAsia Food whenever you are making a new transaction.

at Trip.com!

• Valid till 30 September 2025
• Receive cashback within 60 days after completion of activity/stay/flight
• Cashback will be awarded after 60 days from the completion of activity/stay/flight.
• Cashback will be calculated based on the final online booking checkout price, excluding taxes, fees, service charges, children/infant tickets, insurance and any payments to be made at the hotel.
• Promo or voucher codes that are not recognised by YouTrip will be ineligible for Trip.com cashback.
• Cashback does not include Trip coins, store credits or voucher/coupon codes.

3% cashback at 24S!

• Only purchases made through the 24S affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to 24S whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Celine, Louis Vuitton and Dior products are not eligible for cashback.

10% cashback (New Lazada users)

• Valid till 31 December 2024

3% cashback (Existing Lazada users)

• Pay with YouTrip on Lazada (LazMall excluded) during checkout
• Only purchases made through the Lazada affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Lazada whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Lazada varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Products not eligible for cashback: Sports shoes and clothing, Electronics Accessories, Groceries.
• Cashback capped at $10

15% off at iShopChangi

15% off with no min. spend (For traveller purchases only)

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP15' during checkout
• Enjoy 15% off with no min. spend
• Valid for traveller purchases only.
• Payment must be made with YOUTRIP Mastercard.
• Only one Promo Code may be used at a time.
• Promotion is valid until 31 December 2023.
• Promotion is not exchangeable for cash, prizes, products or other vouchers.
• Promotion is not valid in conjunction with privilege holder discounts.
• Chanel and Dior are excluded from this promotion.
• The Shilla Duty Free reserves the right to amend or withdraw any terms & conditions without any prior notice.

S$15 off at The Shilla!

S$15 off min S$150 spend in store

• Flash this at the counter and pay with YouTrip during checkout in store
• Enjoy S$15 off min S$150 nett spend
• Valid until 31 December 2022.
• Limited to one redemption per customer.
• Any outstanding balance after deducting the face value of the voucher must be paid in full using YouTrip Card
• The promotion must be fully utilised and any unutilised amount will be forfeited.
• Not exchangeable for cash, prizes, products or other vouchers.
• Not valid in conjunction with privilege holder discounts.

5% cashback at Chemist Warehouse!

5% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Chemist Warehouse affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Chemist Warehouse whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to 10% off at Qatar Airways!

Up to 10% off 

• Click through to Qatar via YouTrip Perks, apply code 'YTQR23' & Pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Enjoy up to 10% off upon checkout
• Sales period: 8 May 2023 – 31 December 2023
• Travel period: 8 May 2023 – 31 March 2024
• Booking must be made using promo code YTQR23 to avail of the discount
• Full payment must be made with a YouTrip Card
• Save 10% on Business Class Comfort fares
• Save 10% on Economy Class Convenience fares
• Save 7% on Economy Class and Business Class Classic fares
• Valid only on Qatar Airways flights from Singapore
• Valid to the following destinations: Abu Dhabi, Almaty, Amsterdam, Ankara, Athens, Atlanta, Baku, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Cape Town, Casablanca, Chennai, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dallas, Dar Es Salaam, Doha, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva, Harare, Helsinki, Houston, Islamabad, Johannesburg, Kilimanjaro, Larnaca, London, Los Angeles, Lusaka, Luxor, Madrid, Malabo, Manchester, Medina, Miami, Milan, Mombasa, Montreal, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Nairobi, New York City, Oslo, Paris, Philadelphia, Pisa, Prague, Rome, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Seattle, Seychelles, Sharjah, Sofia, St Petersburg, Stockholm, Tbilisi, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw, Washington, Windhoek, Yerevan, Zagreb, Zanzibar, Zurich
• All-in fares include all taxes, fees, and surcharges which are subject to currency fluctuation
• Blackout dates and surcharges may apply. Please refer to the fare rules for details at the time of booking.
• Blackout Periods: 18 Nov – 20 Dec 2022 (Doha and Middle Eastern Countries), 1 Jan – 10 Jan 2023 (All destinations)
• Peak period surcharges may apply
• Fares are subject to change without prior notice
• Discount applies to return base fare only of selected fare classes
• Discount does not apply to taxes and all other surcharges
• Seats are limited and are subject to availability of the relevant booking class
• Minimum and maximum stay as well as advance purchase rules apply dependent on the booking class
• Please refer to the fare rules at the time of booking for changes, cancellations and no-show conditions
• Any change or cancellation less than 3 hours prior to the stated time of departure will be considered as no-show
• For travel involving multiple booking classes, the most restrictive fare rules apply to the entire itinerary
• Standard child/infant discount apply
• Please note that market-specific promotional fares may be available for selected dates and destinations, and may not be eligible for the discounts under this offer. All available options, together with the applicable terms & conditions for each fare will be displayed at time of booking for you to make your selection
• Qatar Airway’s terms and conditions will also apply to your booking, please review these at the time of booking
• Other terms and conditions apply. Please review at the time of booking

2.1% cashback at Watsons!

2.1% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Watsons affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Watsons whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Watsons varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Cashback will be calculated based on the final checkout price, excluding taxes, delivery fees, any additional fees, service charges.

10% cashback at Puma!

10% cashback

• Valid till 30 Dec 2023
• Only purchases made through the Puma affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Puma whenever you are making a new transaction.

5% cashback at AirAsia Grocer!

• Only purchases made through the AirAsia affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to AirAsia whenever you are making a new transaction.

8% cashback at On The List!

8% cashback

• Only purchases made through the On The List affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to On The List whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Purchases made via the On The List mobile site or app are not eligible for cashback.

Up to $12 off at FairPrice Online!

$10 off min $135 spend

• Valid till 22 December 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'MCXMAS21' during checkout
• Enjoy $10 off min $135 spend
• First 2,500 redemptions only

$12 off min $150 spend

• Enjoy $12 off min $150 spend
• Redemption of promo code is applicable only for purchases made on FairPrice online at www.fairprice.com.sg and FairPrice Mobile App upon login, and for home delivery only.  
• Only one promo code can be used for each transaction. FairPrice reserves the right to reject any order that has violated this.
• Promo code is to be used for one-time redemption only.
• Promo code cannot be used for the purchase of certain restricted products, for example, certain infant milk formulas. Please visit FairPrice online for more details.
• Qualifying spend refers to a nett spend of at least S$135.00 (excluding delivery fee, service fee, and any other surcharge) in a single transaction at NTUC FairPrice online during the promotional period.
• Using a promo code in conjunction with other free gift promotions, may alter the minimum amount for delivery.
• Additional charges, service fees and minimum nett purchase amount for free home delivery may be required and may differ for promotional periods and will be in accordance to that stated on FairPrice online.
• It is advisable to have at least S$5 nett purchase amount in cart after application of promo code in order to be able to checkout.
• Promo codes are not exchangeable or refundable for cash or other goods and services.
• FairPrice reserves the rights to vary/amend the privileges or terms and conditions of this promotion without prior notice. 
• Other terms and conditions on FairPrice online (https://help.fairprice.com.sg/hc/en us/categories/360001184571-FairPrice-Online) apply.
• Mastercard does not assume any responsibility for the products and services offered under this promotion. The products are sold and services are provided solely by the relevant vendors, under such terms and conditions as determined by such vendors, and Mastercard accepts no liability whatsoever in connection with such products and services. The products and services have not been certified by Mastercard and under no circumstances shall the inclusion of any product or service in this promotion be construed as an endorsement or recommendation of such product or service by Mastercard

2% cashback at Razer!

2% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Razer affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Razer whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Razer varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

20% off at Zoey!

20% off supplements

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'ZOEYYT' during checkout
• Enjoy 20% off supplements upon checkout

20% off at noah!

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'NOAHYT' during checkout

$19 cashback at Starhub!

$19 cashback (For new broadband signups)

• Only purchases made through the Starhub affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Starhub whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Only new broadband sign-ups are eligible for cashback

$10 off at Beauty Emporium!

$10 off (No min spend)

• Valid till 30 November 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUBF10' during checkout
• Enjoy $10 off upon checkout
• Limited to one time use per transaction.
• Discount will be given to total bill spend. Discounted products and services are eligible for this redemption.
• Discount cannot be used in Strip Merchandise and Clean Beauty Brands.
• Shipping fees apply if the minimum spend for free shipping is not met.
• Cannot be used in-conjunction with any other voucher, codes or redemption of Beauty Rewards points.
• Promotion ends on 30 Nov 2021 2359 hrs.

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*By clicking ‘Submit’, you hereby agree and acknowledge that your information will be stored and managed in accordance to YouTrip’s Privacy Policy .

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Get a Passport

Renew or Replace a Passport

Get My Passport Fast

Prepare to Apply

Passport Help

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Get a Passport Homepage

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Apply for your First Adult Passport

Apply for a Child Under 16

Apply as a 16 or 17 Year Old

Get My Application Status

Get a Passport Card

Respond to a Letter or Email

The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, and has the same length of validity as the passport book.  

The card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries.

The card is not valid for international travel by air and is cheaper than the passport book.

You can apply for either the book or card, or both documents.  

Steps to Apply for a Card

• Applying for the first time:  Apply in Person page .
• Applying for your child: Children Under 16 page .
• Renewing as an adult:   Renew by Mail page .  
• Change your name or correct an error on the document.  

We use the same forms for both passport books and cards. The first step on our forms is to select if you want a passport book, passport card, or both documents. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i apply for the passport card and passport book using the same application.

Yes. You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time using the same application. When completing your form, let us know if you would like to apply for one or both documents. 

If you're renewing both your passport book and passport card, you must provide both documents. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card using Form DS-82.

Can I get a passport card if I already have a passport book?

Yes. If you already have a passport book and   you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card by mail as a "renewal" even if it is your first passport card.

You can do the same and apply for your first passport book by mail as a "renewal" if you already have a passport card.

May I use a passport card to fly?

You cannot use the passport card to fly to or from a foreign country.

The Transportation Security Administration accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights in the United States.

The passport card is for U.S. citizens who live in northern and southern border communities and cross the border by land.

Use the passport book for international air travel.

Can I use my passport card at Ready Lanes?

Yes. You can save time at the U.S.-Mexico border by using Ready Lanes that read the U.S. passport card’s Radio Frequency Identification technology. Find a complete list of documents accepted at Ready Lanes. 

I don't have any citizenship evidence or photo ID to apply. How can I get these documents?

Go to our Citizenship Evidence page and Photo ID page for examples of documents we accept.

Don't have a birth certificate?

If you were born in the United States, contact the county, city, or state where you were born and ask for a certified copy of your birth certificate. A certified copy has the seal or stamp of the official issuing authority.

If you were born outside the United States, follow the tips on the Citizenship Evidence page. 

Don't have a driver's license?

We accept other types of government-issued, primary photo ID. We will accept secondary photo ID if you do not have a primary ID. 

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best AirTag you can buy for your wallet isn't made by Apple (and it's rechargeable)

ZDNET's key takeaways

• The Nomad Tracking Card uses Apple's Find My network to help you keep tabs on where your wallet is. It's priced at $40 and launches today.
• It's a sleek tracker that's only the width of two credit cards, and the battery lasts for five months.
• However, be aware that it requires a wireless charger. 

If you're like me, and you still carry around a physical wallet with your cards, cash, and IDs, chances are you're pretty careful about ensuring you don't lose it. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially if you already have a habit of misplacing things like your phone and need to fire up an app to locate where you left it.

Also:  The best AirTag wallets you can buy: Expert recommended

Fortunately, if you're a forgetful person or simply someone who always wants to know where their wallet is, Nomad has the solution: a  Tracking Card . Available starting today for $40, the card is Nomad's take on an AirTag for your wallet. 

Most companies have developed what are effectively holsters for AirTags that, when attached to your wallet, let you know where your wallet is at all times through the Find My app. That approach, however, is clumsy and bulky; the tag noticeably protrudes from your wallet, and you often need to buy a new wallet anyway as the holsters are built into the wallet itself -- not as a simple attachment.

With the Tracking Card, all you need is room in your current wallet for a card that's about the width of two credit cards stacked on top of each other. I slotted mine in the back of the Card Wallet Plus  that Nomad sent me a while ago, and it fit like a charm.

When you take the card out of its packaging, you're prompted to press and hold a button. This triggers the setup process and lets you pair it with your Apple account. From there, you simply open the Find My app on your iPhone and add a new device. The card will pop up as "Nomad Card" on the lower half of your screen. Tap the Connect button, give your card a name and an emoji, and you'll be good to go.

Also: How to find out if an AirTag is tracking you

You can easily find your card through the Find My app, just like you would with any AirTag or third-party accessory that works with Find My. You can even ring the device to locate your wallet, although the ring itself isn't very loud.

One of the best features of the Tracking Card is the battery. Nomad included a rechargeable battery that lasts up to five months on a single charge. When it's time to recharge, you drop it on any Qi or MagSafe wireless charger and a green light will appear when it's full. This means you won't need to worry about replacing the battery or plugging it in with your phone charger to juice back up.

Nomad even points out that you can use a standing MagSafe charger to recharge the Tracking Card; while there are no magnets in the card itself (which… thank God, because your credit cards would be destroyed), there's enough metal that allows the card to hang onto the charger. I tried it myself, and it worked like a charm.

The card looks boring from a distance, but if you come close, you'll see its internals outlined to add a bit of character. This gives off a futuristic vibe, and I'm totally here for it. You won't be looking at the card all that often, but when you do, you'll at least have something cool to see.

Also: The best GPS trackers for kids in 2024: Expert recommended

Nomad's Tracking Card isn't the only one out there that works with the Find My network. There are options from Chipolo and Pebblebee that are often $5 to $10 cheaper. You'll need a wireless charger if you want to use the Tracking Card, which might be a dealbreaker for some who refuse to ditch the cable.

ZDNET's buying advice

Nomad's Tracking Card is a solid tracker that I'll be using regularly to keep tabs on my wallet. It's sturdy, has a cool design, works seamlessly with my iPhone, and can be juiced up with the charging station I have on my desk. What more do you need?

You can buy the  Nomad Tracking Card  directly on its website for $40.

Featured reviews

The best magsafe wallet i've tested is not made by apple or anker (and it's on sale), this 3-in-1 magsafe charger is my new favorite travel accessory (and it supports qi2), i've tried many smart locks, but the one i keep on my door is $160 with this deal.

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Best travel credit cards of June 2024

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Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis on NextAdvisor.com, he joined the CreditCards.com and Bankrate teams as a staff writer to develop product reviews and comprehensive credit card guides focused on cash back, credit scores and card offers.

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Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate,  focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards programs, point valuation and credit scores, and his stories on building credit have been cited by Mic.com, LifeHacker, People.com and more. Through his thorough card reviews and product comparisons, Nouri strives to demystify personal finance topics and credit card terms and conditions to help readers save money and protect their credit score.

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Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, self-employed humanitarian consultant and collector of credit card points. She shares savvy travel tips that she’s learned firsthand circling the globe for more than 25 years. She’s a backpacker, expect and premium traveler who’s visited more than 130 countries and all seven continents. Her life motto is “See the world, change the world, have fun doing it!” and her mission is to inspire others along the journey.

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Travel credit cards help you earn valuable points and miles on your purchases. For maximum value, some cards earn rewards not only on travel, but also everyday purchases like dining, groceries and gas. You can redeem these rewards for free or discounted flights, hotel stays or to cover other travel-related expenses.

The best travel cards also come with additional features. Even no-annual-fee travel cards are likely to offer perks like sign-up bonuses, intro APR offers and travel insurance. But for top-of-the-line benefits like airport lounge access, elite status and travel credits, expect to pay an annual fee.

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Bankrate's Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

• Best starter travel card:  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for flat-rate rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for luxury travel:  The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best for no annual fee:  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card  ( See Rates & Fees )
• Best for foodies:  American Express® Gold Card
• Best for everyday spending: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Best for intro APR:  Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
• Best for point values:  Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for practical perks:  Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best for pairing:  Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for hotel bookings: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
• Best no-annual-fee hotel card:  Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Best luxury hotel card:  Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Best for transfer partners:  Bilt Mastercard®
• Best for gas:  Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
• Best for companion tickets:  Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Best starter airline card:  Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Best for expedited security screening:  Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
• Best for first-year value:  Discover it® Miles
• Best for fair credit:  Credit One Bank Wander® Card
• What to know about travel credit cards
• Tips for choosing the best travel card

Travel credit card perks

How do credit card points and miles work.

• Expert advice on travel cards

How we assess the best travel credit cards

• Frequently asked questions
• Ask the experts

Credit range

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

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Best starter travel card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Bankrate score

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

Intro offer

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

75,000 bonus points

We calculate this number by multiplying the card's intro offer by Bankrate's valuation of this issuer's rewards program , showing you how much your points or miles are worth in dollars.

Rewards rate

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.

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

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

What we love: This popular card comes loaded with features that can make it easy even for occasional travelers to offset the modest $95 annual fee without eating into hard-earned rewards. Plus, its rewards program is one of the best, giving you some of the most valuable travel redemptions — through both Chase and transfer partners — and Chase card pairing opportunities if you want to build your card portfolio eventually. Learn more: Why expert Margaret Weck loves using the Chase Sapphire Preferred Alternatives:   If you’re looking for an even simpler travel card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a terrific option. Its flat rewards rate makes it easy to know exactly how much you’ll earn with every purchase and though it can’t match the Sapphire Preferred’s redemption flexibility, it offers more redemption options than the typical travel rewards card. 

• You earn Ultimate Rewards points with this card — some of the most valuable and flexible rewards around, especially if you pair it with Chase’s cash back cards in the future.
• The card touts significant long-term benefits like anniversary bonus points and travel credits, as well as travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and a car rental collision damage waiver.
• Doesn’t offer airline- or hotel-specific perks like free checked bags, elite status or free night stays.
• The sign-up bonus is decent, but the card has previously offered higher, chart-topping bonus points.
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Best for flat-rate rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Earn 75,000 miles

5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

2 Miles - 5 Miles

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2 Miles 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: It’s a great option for travelers looking for a straightforward rewards program and flexible redemption options. You'll earn unlimited miles on all eligible spending and can redeem not only for travel bookings, but also as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made in the past 90 days. Learn more: Why expert Jacqueline DeMarco loves the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Alternatives: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a higher rewards rate in some everyday spending categories and potentially more valuable points. Chase points are worth 1.25 cents each if you redeem for travel through Chase, while Capital One miles are only worth 1 cent each when you redeem for travel. Plus, Chase rewards are more helpful for occasional travelers since you can redeem as cash back at 1-cent-per-point value.

• Carries solid perks given its low annual fee, including expedited airport purchase security and hotel experience credits, lost luggage reimbursement and more.
• Zero foreign transaction fees make this an excellent choice for international travelers.
• You can’t offset the annual fee with annual travel credits or bonuses alone as you can with some rival cards.
• The card’s sign-up bonus carries a high spending requirement, so it may be tough to earn if you don’t have large purchases on the horizon.
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Best for luxury travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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

Earn 80,000 points

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. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

See Pay Over Time APR

• 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.

What we love: Luxury travelers and big spenders will appreciate the bevy of travel benefits, including annual statement credits worth around $1,700, elite hotel loyalty status and access to perhaps the most comprehensive airport lounge access available with a credit card. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Platinum Card® from American Express Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a taste of luxury at a lower cost than many premium travel cards. You can unlock a generous rewards rate on both travel and general purchases, complimentary access to popular airport lounge memberships and valuable annual travel credits and anniversary miles.

• Comes with a generous welcome offer and a longer time period to earn it compared to most rewards cards.
• A robust line-up of airline and hotel partners and related perks make this card truly valuable for travelers.
• The $695 annual fee may not be worth it if you don’t spend much on travel frequently or can’t take full advantage of the card’s luxury — and often niche — perks.
• Redeeming and maximizing the card’s credit and benefits requires some legwork and can be a bit confusing.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Best for no annual fee

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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

20,000 miles

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

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

• 1.25 Miles 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

What we love: This card offers some of the same advantages as the Capital One Venture, without the burden of an annual fee. It gives you the chance to earn flat-rate miles on your everyday spending and the option to transfer miles to over 15 loyalty program partners to even cover travel purchases outside Capital One — a unique level of redemption flexibility for a starter travel card. Learn more: Reasons to get the VentureOne Rewards Card Alternatives: A general-purpose flat-rate credit card that offers 2X points or 2 percent cash back on all purchases may bring more value if you don’t travel often and aren’t ready to upgrade to a travel rewards credit card with an annual fee. However, the Discover it® Miles earns a flat-rate 1.5X miles that can also be redeemed for cash back at 1-cent per mile, which is unusual for travel rewards.

• The welcome offer is generous for a no-annual-fee travel credit card.
• Booking hotel stays and rental cars through Capital One Travel nets you an impressive 5X miles.
• Unlike several no-annual-fee travel cards, redeeming for non-travel purchases waters down your rewards’ value.
• Capital One has no major U.S. carrier in its line-up of travel partners.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Best for foodies

American Express® Gold Card

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

60,000 Membership Rewards® Points

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

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

What we love: Few credit cards are more rewarding for traveling foodies than the American Express Gold Card. Both the food-related annual credits and the rewards rates at restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and on flights booked directly with airlines or via the Amex travel portal are some of the best on the market. In fact, the up to $240 in credits each year alone nearly make up for the annual fee. Learn more: Why the Amex Gold is worth the annual fee Alternatives: If the Amex Gold Card’s annual fee sounds high, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . It carries key travel perks, high travel and dining rewards rates, and a much lower annual fee.

• This card features one of the best rewards return rates available on dining, groceries and food deliveries.
• There is no preset spending limit, so you can enjoy extended purchasing power, and you also have the option to pay off purchases with Pay Over Time if necessary.
• Although the card touts a solid collection of travel perks, it doesn’t include popular premium card perks like airport lounge access or trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
• Only eligible airfare earns more than 1X points, while rival cards often earn similar (or higher) reward rates on hotel stays and other travel purchases as well.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Best for everyday spending

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

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

70,000 bonus points

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

21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

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

What we love: This card’s high rewards rate in everyday bonus categories makes it an especially good choice for occasional travelers and people looking for a standalone rewards card. Its practical bonus categories mean you can earn rewards quickly, even if you don’t actually spend a ton on travel. Alternatives:   As long as you don’t mind buying groceries online, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could be an even more lucrative everyday rewards card. That’s thanks mostly to its high point redemption value (1.25 cents per point when you use points to book travel with Chase, versus just 1 cent per point when you book with Citi using the Strata Premier).

• It’s one of the only travel cards that offers a high rewards rate on groceries, dining and gas, so it should work well whether it’s your standalone card or just one part of your card stack.
• Its annual hotel benefit carries enough value to potentially offset the annual fee on its own.
• The annual hotel benefit, though generous, isn’t very flexible: You’ll only get the $100 discount if you book a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) through CitiTravel.com.
• Based on Bankrate’s latest point and mile valuations, Citi ThankYou rewards carry a lower average redemption value than Chase, Amex and Capital One rewards.
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Best for intro APR

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

• 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.

25,000 points

• 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.

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

• 1.5X 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.

What we love: This entry-level travel card keeps things simple for occasional travelers. It offers simple flat-rate rewards and lets you redeem for a broad mix of travel options not typically available on many travel cards, such as cash back toward purchases with travel agencies,  zoos, art galleries and more. It’s even more valuable if you’re a Bank of America customer and can qualify for a rewards boost through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. Learn more: Is the Bank of America Travel Rewards card worth it? Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is another great starter travel card, but, unlike many cards in this category, it lets you transfer your miles to airline and hotel partners, potentially for a higher redemption value.

• Its easy-to-earn sign-up bonus and intro APR offers give this card good short-term value.
• No annual fees or foreign transaction fees sweeten this offer.
• It only offers 1.5X points on purchases, and you can’t transfer points can’t to airline partners for more rewards value, so it may not be as lucrative as competing cards.
• The top tiers of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program may be out of reach for many cardholders.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Best for point values

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• 10x Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠.
• 5x Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠.
• 3x Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
• 1x Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: Rewards-savvy travelers will be hard-pressed to find a card with better rewards potential than the Sapphire Reserve. Points are worth 50 percent more through Chase Travel, and potentially more with the right transfer partner. It’s a stellar partner for Chase’s cash back cards and stacks on even more value with enough perks to recoup the annual fee without relying on hard-earned rewards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Alternatives: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers some of the same key perks as the Sapphire Reserve at a much lower cost. Along with a generous rewards rate on both Capital One Travel and general purchases, the card boasts valuable, practical benefits like competitive airport lounge access , up to $300 in annual Capital One Travel credits and 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary.

• You can kickstart your rewards bank with one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses on the market.
• Its top-tier benefits include up to $300 in annual travel statement credits, Priority Pass airport lounge access, exhaustive travel protections and stand-out partner perks.
• The card’s cost could be a deterrent for some new cardholders, especially if they plan on encountering adding multiple authorized users.
• You won’t get as many luxury hotel and airport lounge perks with this card as you would with some of its rivals.
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Best for practical perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• 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

75,000 miles

10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

2 Miles - 10 Miles

• 10 Miles 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5 Miles 5 Miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel

What we love: This is the perfect middleground for travelers who want the practical benefits from luxury travel cards without dealing with bloated features and an annual fee upwards of $500. It offers complimentary lounge access, high-earning bonus rewards categories, anniversary credits and bonus miles, which can easily make the card worth it for frequent travelers. Learn more: Capital One Venture X Benefits Guide Alternatives: If a higher annual fee is no issue, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. It’s a top choice for frequent travelers thanks to its impressive welcome offer and luxury perks like annual travel credits, lounge access and hotel elite status. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be better if your luxury travel experience calls for racking up more rewards.

• Offers anniversary bonus miles and a chance to earn credits worth hundreds of dollars starting at your first account anniversary.
• Comes with complimentary lounge access at over 1,300 lounges for you and two guests per visit.
• To earn the anniversary credit, travel must be booked through the Capital One Travel portal. That’s not as flexible as some other cards, which offer credits that cover any travel purchases, regardless of how you book.
• Lacks some perks found on other premium travel cards like airline or hotel elite status, which can get you benefits like free checked bags or room upgrades.
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Best for pairing

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Up to $300 cash back

Enjoy 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 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service 1.5% on all other purchases

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

• 5% Enjoy 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
• 3% 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
• 1.5% 1.5% on all other purchases

What we love: Not only does it earn 1.5 percent cash back on general spending, but it also has a bonus cash back rate for drugstores and dining at restaurants. And if you pair it with one or two premium Chase travel cards, you could pool your rewards for better travel redemption value.  Learn more: Why I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited Alternatives: If you want to take advantage of even more rewarding cash back categories and remain in the Chase family, consider the Chase Freedom Flex℠ .

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

Best for hotel bookings

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.

60,000 bonus points

Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants Earn 1X points on other purchases

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 5X Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels
• 4X Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines
• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants
• 1X Earn 1X points on other purchases

What we love: It offers a great rewards rate on hotel bookings and gives you a chance to earn a $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase. Add in a solid rate on airline purchases, other travel and restaurants and this card carries great value as a standalone mid-tier card for occasional travelers. Alternatives: If you want to earn travel rewards but don’t actually spend much on hotels and airfare, the lower-tier Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is also worth a look. Though it earns also rewards on travel, it boasts a great mix of other practical everyday categories (including gas stations).

• You can transfer points to Wells Fargo’s new list of airline and hotel partners, including popular programs like British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges and more, which could boost the redemption value of your rewards.
• The $50 annual statement credit offsets more than half the card’s $95 annual fee and should be a cinch to earn if you fly at least once per year.
• Wells Fargo only offers one other card that earns travel rewards (the Autograph), and there is some category overlap between the two, so they may not be as lucrative as some competing card stacks.
• The card doesn’t carry some popular travel perks available on other mid-tier travel cards, such as credits for expedited airport security screening or rideshares.
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Best no-annual-fee hotel card

Hilton Honors American Express Card

• Earn 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024.

Earn 70,000 points

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

20.99%-29.99% Variable

• 7X Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5X Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• 3X Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.

What we love: This card earns rewards in a terrific mix of everyday bonus categories, so it should be easy to rack up Hilton points even if you don’t spend a ton on hotel bookings. Since it charges no annual fee and provides a few Hilton Honors benefits like Silver status, it’s also a great fit if you’re new to hotel cards and want a single no-annual-fee option instead of juggling multiple rewards cards. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Hilton Honors American Express Card Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be more flexible since it lets you earn and redeem rewards on a much wider variety of travel purchases, including airfare and bookings with several hotel brands, not just Hilton. You can transfer points to the Hilton Honors program as well, but the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card may be better if you prefer upgraded Hilton-specific rewards, loyalty status and other perks.

• Comes with automatic Silver Elite status, which includes a free fifth award night when you book at least four consecutive nights with points.
• Earns rewards in three of the average person’s biggest spending categories, making it a terrific standalone option for earning Hilton points.
• A higher-tier Hilton card would earn more on Hilton bookings and could be more lucrative for frequent guests, even with an annual fee.
• You can only redeem points with Hilton and its partners, which limits the rewards value you earn on the everyday categories compared to a general-purpose cards’ rewards.
• Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• No Annual Fee.

Best luxury hotel card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

• Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points

Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines 2X points on all other eligible purchases

• 6X Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
• 3X 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
• 2X 2X points on all other eligible purchases

What we love: Frequent Marriott guests looking for luxury card-level perks and elite status should be able to justify this premium card. Along with a terrific rewards rate on Marriott bookings and an annual free night award, you could enjoy generous annual credits for restaurant purchases and Marriott property stays, airport lounge access, elite night credits and more. Learn more: Best Marriott credit cards Alternatives: If you’re looking for top-tier travel perks but want the flexibility to earn and redeem rewards for stays at any hotel chain, consider an elite travel card from Chase or Amex, which can come with generous travel benefits, airport lounge access and the ability to transfer points to Marriott. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another lucrative alternative.

• Outperforms other Marriott cards with its boosted rewards on travel-related categories and 21X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, thanks to the automatic Platinum Elite status.
• It’s one of the only hotel cards that includes complimentary Priority Pass lounge access, top travel protections and credits for expedited airport security screening.
• Unlocking some of the card’s best perks — like Five Suite Night Awards — requires a $60,000 annual spend, which may be tough to reach even for frequent Marriott guests.
• Unless luxury perks are at the top of your wishlist, the annual fee may not be worth it and a lower-tier hotel card may offer more value overall.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.

Best for transfer partners

Bilt Mastercard®

Intro offer is not available for this Wells Fargo credit card.

3x points on dining 2x points on travel 1x points on other purchases Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

1X Points - 3X Points

• 3X Points 3x points on dining
• 2X Points 2x points on travel
• 1X Points 1x points on other purchases
• 1X Points Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year. When you make at least 5 posted transactions in a statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.

What we love: Not only is this card is a terrific choice for renters since it earns rewards and waives transaction fees when using it to pay rent, it’s also great for rewards strategists considering the extremely robust travel rewards program. You can earn rewards on travel and dining and your points carry a high value whether you redeem through the Bilt travel portal or one of the many airline and hotel transfer partners. Alternatives: If you like the Bilt card’s travel rewards program but don’t see yourself renting long term, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It earns generously on both travel and dining and also boasts high-value points and transfer partners. If the way you pay rent doesn’t incur credit card payment fees, a flat-rate card may also be worth weighing. 

• It’s the only card that helps you avoid the fees typically associated with paying rent with a credit card.
• Offers a solid collection of travel perks for a no-annual-fee card, including trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement and other high-level travel protections.
• You can only use rewards to cover rent, toward a future home down payment or for travel and shopping. Cash back isn’t an option.
• There is no sign-up bonus. Most competing travel cards — even those with no annual fee — offer at least a $200 bonus.
• $0 Annual Fee.
• Earn up to 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year.
• 2x points on travel.
• 3x points on dining.
• 1x points on other purchases.
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period.
• When renting at a Bilt Alliance property, you can choose to have your rent payments automatically reported by Bilt to the three major credit bureaus each month; Experian™, TransUnion™, and Equifax™.

Best for gas

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.

20,000 bonus points

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

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

• 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.

What we love: The Wells Fargo Autograph card is a great option for occasional travelers and households on the go looking to earn rewards while avoiding an annual fee and reduced redemption value for cash rewards. It’s one of a few entry-level travel cards to offer high, year-round bonus rewards for gas, dining, transit and other key travel needs. Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Autograph worth it? Alternatives: If you’re looking for ways to maximize the value of your rewards, you should consider a travel card that lets you transfer your points to airlines or hotels, like the Bilt Mastercard® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

• While some issuers only reward travel purchases made directly with airlines or through issuer portals, this card lets you shop around for the best deal on third-party travel sites and still earn extra rewards.
• Carries decent perks such as rental car collision damage waiver coverage, roadside assistance and Visa Signature® Concierge benefits, like access to Visa’s Luxury Hotel Collection (terms apply).
• Unlike with traditional travel cards, you cannot transfer your points to airlines or hotels
• The travel perks and intro APR are weak compared to competing travel-oriented cards’ offers.
• 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.

Best for companion tickets

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• Earn 85,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 85,000 miles

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

• 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• 2X Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

What we love: The annual companion certificate on Main Cabin domestic flights (taxes and fees apply) comes with this card after the first year is valuable enough to justify the annual fee even if you’re just looking for great Delta perks to make travel smoother with a partner. Plus, the companion certificate is easier to obtain than other airline cards’ since it carries no spending requirement that must be met beyond the card’s annual fee. Alternatives: The American Express® Green Card could be a great alternative since it charges a lower $150 annual fee, lets you earn and redeem rewards on travel with any eligible airline (not just Delta) and offers credits for Loungebuddy lounge access and Clear Plus. You can even transfer points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio.

• Boasts several valuable travel perks, including priority boarding, a free first checked bag and specialized annual credits for select rideshare services and reservations with Delta Stays and Resy.
• Gets you closer to Medallion Status and discounts on in-flight purchases, complimentary upgrades, and more.
• Its rewards rate on non-travel purchases is lacking — a general-purpose travel card could potentially offer better rewards value and flexibility for rewards travel outside Delta.
• No longer offers complimentary Delta Sky Club lounge access as of this year, although airport lounge access is a staple perk for premium travel cards.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• $350 Annual Fee.

Best starter airline card

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

• Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 85,000 points

Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

• 2X Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2X Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• 2X Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2X Earn 2X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
• 1X Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

What we love: This card’s anniversary bonus offers enough value to nearly offset the annual fee on its own, so it should be a terrific low-stakes option whether you’re new to airline cards or a regular Southwest flyer looking for a low-maintenance card. Plus, its sign-up bonus value is on par with the value you’ll get with much pricier airline and travel cards. Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus benefits guide Alternatives: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card could offer better value overall, despite its $149 annual fee. It carries an annual $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 bonus points each year on your account anniversary — more than enough value to justify the higher fee.

• You’ll automatically earn 3,000 Rapid Rewards points each year after your account anniversary, which could offset much of the card’s already-low annual fee.
• Delivers the same hefty sign-up bonus as higher-tier Southwest cards.
• Unlike several travel cards, it doesn’t carry rewards categories for popular everyday purchases like gas or dining.
• It may not be the best Southwest value for frequent flyers since it poses a 3 percent foreign transaction fee and doesn’t offer perks like upgraded boardings or elite status benefits.
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Best for savers

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

• Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

60,000 points

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases. Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

• 2X Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
• 1.5X Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

What we love: If you do your banking with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards status, this card could provide an exclusive 25 percent to 75 percent rewards rate boost. The  rewards rates — 2X points on dining and travel, with 1.5X points on all other purchases — could increase to an incredible 3.5X on travel and dining with an unrivaled flat 2.62X points rate. Learn more: Why expert Sara Coleman loves the Bank of America Premium Rewards Card Alternatives: The similarly-priced Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best alternatives thanks to its stellar travel protections, yearly bonus rewards and stronger rewards program. However, flat-rate cards like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card or the Discover it® Miles card could be lucrative if you don’t think the $95 annual fee is worth it.

• The $95 annual fee is relatively affordable for this card category thanks to the up to $100 in yearly airline incidental statement credits.
• You can smooth out your travel experience with great benefits like credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and comprehensive travel insurance.
• Attaining the highest rewards rate is not an easy feat, since you’ll need to hold significant funds in Bank of America accounts.
• This card does not offer a few popular premium travel perks like lounge access.
• Low $95 annual fee.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 - 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Best for first-year value

Discover it® Miles

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

Discover Match®

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

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

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

What we love: In addition to the exceptionally valuable Discover Match® , this card combines solid flat-rate rewards with consumer-friendly terms, like minimal fees and an equal value for both travel and cash back redemptions. Travelers who value simplicity will appreciate this card’s straightforward rewards and adaptability — even when you aren’t traveling. Learn more: Why expert Holly Johnson loves the Discover it® Miles Alternatives: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card carries a more straightforward and still easy-to-reach welcome bonus. The VentureOne card also gives you the option of transferring miles to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners, which could increase the redemption value of your rewards.

• All miles earned in your first year will be matched at the end of the year, which could make it one of the most valuable first-year offers for no annual fee.
• Miles don’t lose value when they’re redeemed for cash back, which gives it a leg up over many travel rewards programs for occasional travelers.
• You’ll miss out on pretty standard travel perks like travel insurance, and car rental damage protection.
• The rewards structure lacks flexibility; you won’t be able to transfer your miles or use them to book travel.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
• No annual fee
• Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Best for fair credit

Credit One Bank Wander® Card

Intro offer is not available for this Credit One Bank credit card.

Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas Earn 1x points on all other purchases

29.74% Variable

• 10X Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• 5X Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other purchases

What we love: The Credit One Bank Wander® Card is a solid option if you want to earn points on travel but have trouble qualifying for mainstream travel cards. Not only is this card accessible with only fair credit, but its rewards program boasts generously high rewards rates in key travel categories. Learn more: Best travel cards for people with bad or fair credit Alternatives: If you don’t mind putting down a refundable security deposit, consider a no-annual-fee secured card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *. It’s a unique secured card that lets you build credit while earning rewards in a category of your choice (with travel just one of many popular options) as well as grocery stores and wholesale clubs.

• It’s one of the only travel rewards cards available with a fair credit score, making it a decent option if you want to earn travel rewards as you work on your score.
• Provides 5X points in travel, dining and gas, plus 10X points on eligible hotel and rental car bookings through Credit One Bank — rare and impressive rates with only fair credit.
• Its annual fee is high compared to other cards you can get with a fair credit score , so it may not be the best fit if you prioritize building credit over earning rewards.
• Other travel cards may offer better perks, fewer redemption restrictions and more value, so it may be worth working on your score with a lower-cost card before committing to the costly annual fee.
• Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• Earn 1x points on all other purchases
• Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
• With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
• If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
• See Rates & Fees

Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit  AmericanExpress.com/benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex assurance company.

The information about the American Express® Green Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuers.

Compare Bankrate's best travel credit cards of 2024

What are travel credit cards.

Travel credit cards allow cardholders to earn points or miles on a variety of purchases (typically travel-related), which are redeemable for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards and more.

The best travel credit cards do more than help you foot the bill for your next flight — travel cards also offer perks to upgrade your entire travel experience. Trip insurance , annual travel credits, concierge services and lounge access are all common benefits. Airline and hotel co-branded credit cards sometimes offer specific discounts and perks for loyalty program members.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Although a well-chosen travel card can pay huge dividends, it might not be the right move for every traveler. Before you apply, take time to weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks of travel credit cards .

Tips on choosing the best travel credit card for you

The right travel credit card for you will carry features and benefits that give you the best value. To help you narrow down your choices, here are the steps to choosing the best travel card.

How to choose a travel credit card

1. know how you prefer to travel.

Knowing whether your travel expenses lean toward airfare, hotel stays or a mix of other travel will help you decide whether you should get an airline card, hotel card or general-purpose travel card. A co-branded airline or hotel credit card may be a good fit if you mostly travel with a certain brand and want exclusive privileges to enhance your experience. A general-purpose travel card is better if you prefer to keep your travel options open.

2. Prioritize redemption value

You may have to pick between simplicity and maximum value when comparing cards and rewards programs. Many travel cards offer a standard point or mile redemption value of 1 cent when you redeem toward travel through the issuer portal, but some cards can get you a higher redemption value when you transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners. However, it's common for many travel reward programs to reduce the redemption value toward non-travel options or limit these redemption options altogether. If you prefer simplicity over maximizing rewards, you may want to consider cards that allow you to redeem points or miles at an equal 1-cent value toward general travel purchase credits, cash back or other non-travel options.

3. Match your card to your spending habits

Take a look at your typical spending and find which travel categories and non-travel categories you spend the most in to help you choose a card that offers a high rewards rate for your regular spending. Just make sure you factor in rewards spending caps.

4. Note what's worth the extra money

High rewards rates and valuable travel perks are the biggest reasons to get a travel card, but many of the best cards carry a high annual fee. You could stick with a no-annual-fee travel card (or at least one with around a $99 fee) if you're mainly focused on earning rewards, but you may have to pay up to $500 or more for luxurious perks like airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance and hundreds of dollars in annual travel credits .

5. Look toward your next trip abroad

If you travel overseas, check to see if the card you're considering charges a foreign transaction fee. And since some credit cards aren't as widely accepted as others, you'll also want to make sure your credit card will work when traveling overseas . For example, merchants may not accept Discover and American Express cards as widely as Visa and Mastercard. If a trip is coming up in the next three to six months, keep an eye out for the big sign-up bonuses travel cards are known for. As a rule of thumb, the higher the annual fee, the higher the sign-up bonus should be.

Co-branded travel cards vs. general travel cards

Experts typically divide travel credit cards into two categories: co-branded travel cards and general travel cards. Co-branded cards are linked to a particular airline or hotel, while general travel cards offer more flexible reward opportunities. Here’s why and when you might want one or the other.

• Co-branded cards
• General travel cards

Co-branded travel cards tend to offer higher rewards rates on eligible travel purchases in exchange for limiting your reward redemption options to just one airline or hotel program . These cards may also feature more specific perks associated with the respective hotel or airline, such as free award nights, complimentary airline elite status or priority boarding — which general-purpose travel cards don’t often carry).

However, you won’t be able to use your rewards with a wide variety of different hotels and airlines like general-purpose cards allow. Plus, despite co-branded travel cards’ typically higher rewards rates, many brand-specific rewards tend to be worth less than the potential value of general-purpose cards’ points and miles.

When to get a co-branded travel card : When you often fly or stay with a specific airline or hotel and want to maximize your benefits with that brand.

General travel cards earn rewards on various travel categories and aren’t limited to a particular airline or hotel. Such cards may lack some of the dedicated perks you’ll find on a co-branded travel card, such as in-flight discounts, but make up for it with rewards flexibility and broader perks like general travel credits, expedited security screening and wider airport lounge access. 

The top travel cards even let you transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, often at a 1:1 rate. Redeeming with some airlines and hotels can even make your rewards more valuable than they would be if you redeemed with the card issuer.

When to get a general travel card : When you have no preferred airline or hotel and want the additional flexibility a general travel card offers. 

Who should get a travel credit card?

A travel credit card is almost always worth it for frequent travelers or anyone who wants to earn rewards toward their next vacation.

If you can save up airline miles, rack up points for free nights at hotels or get discounted travel through your credit card issuer, you’re on your way to significant travel savings. However, the right travel card for you will depend on your travel habits.

Frequent travelers

Naturally, the ideal candidate for a travel card is someone who travels a lot or plans to book several flights and hotel stays per year. However, in some cases, you don’t have to be a frequent traveler to reap the benefits of a travel rewards card. A number of cards offer good rewards rates on general purchases.

Travel beginners

If you’re new to travel rewards, a good place to start is with a travel card that makes it easy to earn and redeem points, without requiring you to navigate a complex rewards program or worry about tiered rewards rates or varying point redemption values. 

Brand loyalists

If you tend to book travel with the same brands frequently or already belong to an airline or hotel loyalty program, a co-branded travel card can offer terrific value.  Airline- and hotel-specific rewards cards often earn a top rate on bookings with the brand as well as exclusive perks like lounge access and automatic elite status. 

Business travelers

Some of the most valuable travel credit cards are business cards . Whether you're a freelancer on the go or the CEO of a Fortune 500, the right travel credit card can help you earn high rewards rates on everyday business purchases. 

International travelers

If you frequently travel abroad, a card with no foreign transaction fees is a great way to help you avoid extra costs on overseas purchases. Plus, if you hate waiting in line at airport security or customs, a lot of travel cards offer statement credits to reimburse you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.

Luxury travelers

Luxury travel cards often charge a pretty penny but also offer a ton of value via perks like lounge access and annual travel credits. These perks not only make travel more comfortable, but also often carry enough value to offset the card’s cost on their own.

Still unsure if a travel credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.

Here’s how a Bankrate editor chose his travel card

Here’s how a bankrate editor chose his travel card.

With all of this advice in mind, let’s see how a credit card expert made their pick. Here’s Bankrate editor Nouri Zarrugh on how he chose his travel card:

When it comes to earning rewards, I’ve always stuck with cash back cards, preferring the simplicity of knowing exactly how much my rewards are worth and the ease of redeeming for statement credits. Recently, though, I decided I wanted to travel a bit more frequently, and I figured a new travel rewards card could be a great tool to help me earn free trips. When choosing the right card for me, a few major points of consideration stood out: Cost: I didn’t feel like I traveled enough to justify a huge annual fee. Simplicity : I wanted to stick with a single, streamlined travel card and not worry about juggling multiple rewards programs or rewards rates. Perks : While I didn’t need anything too fancy, I thought it might be nice to have a perk like TSA Precheck included, since I hate waiting in long airport security lines. To my surprise, the card that stood out most was the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Though it carried an intimidating annual fee of $395 ( See Rates & Fees ), I found this cost was more than worth it once I dug into the details. In fact, its benefits were so valuable, I barely needed to worry about offsetting the cost.  Two of its annual perks — a $300 Capital One travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles every year on my account anniversary — are valuable enough to offset the fee on their own. This means as long as I take one flight a year, I can basically break even on the card. Any rewards or perks I get beyond that feel like pure upside. It’s a huge bonus, then, that the card also includes practical benefits like Priority Pass lounge access and a credit of up to $100 toward the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. While I’ve never frequented airport lounges, I see these privileges as essentially free considering the value of the annual travel credit and bonus miles. So, I figure, why not take advantage?  For me, the Venture X strikes the perfect balance: A flat rewards rate that makes it easy to earn miles on everything I buy; flexible redemption through Capital One or via transfer to airlines and hotels, and practical perks I know I’ll use when I travel. I never imagined I’d have a $395 travel card in my wallet, but for me, it’s at worst a coupon for a flight every year, which can nudge me to take that next trip. — Nouri Zarrugh, Editor, Bankrate

Travel benefits may differ from card to card, but some of the most popular travel cards available often feature a few key perks. 

Travel insurance

Travel cards may offer various travel insurances , such as trip delay protection, trip cancellation insurance, lost baggage insurance or car rental insurance. These benefits aren’t worth anything until you need them, but you’ll be glad you have them when your flight is canceled or your luggage gets lost.

Travel credits

Credits toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry are a popular and common benefit on many travel cards. You can typically use this credit once every four years, which roughly corresponds to how long a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership lasts. Some cards may also provide an annual credit toward Clear Plus — another expedited security membership. Higher-end travel cards often offer annual statement credits toward travel purchases, and many of these credits nearly offset these cards’ annual fees. 

In-flight perks

Co-branded airline cards typically offer some airport and in-flight benefits on top of their reward-earning capabilities. These can include discounts on in-flight purchases (usually 25 percent back on refreshments and WiFi), free checked bags, flight seating upgrades or priority boarding. 

Free hotel award nights

Co-branded hotel cards may include free hotel award nights annually as part of their benefits. Some cards also add an extra complimentary awards night to your stay if you’ve booked a certain number of consecutive nights. These nights are typically capped at a certain value (sometimes based on the card or your elite status), and may be valuable enough to make up for some cards’ annual fees.

Airport lounge access

One of the most popular (and valuable) travel benefits featured on high-end and luxury travel cards is complimentary access to airport lounges. The lounges you gain access to depend on the card, though co-branded cards will often grant access to the lounge corresponding to the card’s airline. The Amex Platinum card currently offers the best airport lounge access .

If you want to add a credit card to your portfolio for your travel needs, knowing what cards are popular and why people like them can help steer your decision. We regularly stay abreast of these conversations online and noticed two travel cards come up regularly: the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express .

These cards shine because they offer some of the best rates on travel purchases and the most comprehensive set of benefits and perks . Despite their annual fees, what you get in return can far outweigh your costs. And the conversation around these two cards isn’t new: Is the effort of maximizing their perks worth it?

What people say about travel credit cards perks

The Sapphire Reserve is often referred to as the gold standard in travel benefits and protections, and the value of its trip insurance is a big part of that. A member of the Rick Steves Forum remarks on the value of the insurance: “It has pretty extensive coverage wherever I travel … my entire trip is covered as long as I charged any portion of the trip to my card.” This feature is unique to the Sapphire Reserve and sets it apart from other premium cards, which require you to charge your entire trip purchase to the card to have active coverage.

But using trip insurance isn’t always a simple process. As a user in the r/CreditCards forum on Reddit cautions: “Credit card travel insurance in general is very specific on what it covers, and people tend to overestimate just how useful the coverage actually is,” they write. “These are named peril policies, so unless you see your exact situation as a covered hazard the policies won't pay out.”

The Platinum Card from American Express gets a lot of buzz for reasons similar to the Sapphire Reserve. The card gives so many benefits, credits and additional perks that it’s often called a coupon book for luxury travel. But for many people, the value comes down to whether they’re willing to do the work to maximize its features. Another r/CreditCards member says they use the card’s Hilton and Marriott status boosters, rental car company loyalty program automatic status features, Centurion lounge access, hotel and airline incidental credits, membership credits and more. Using all these features helps them offset the annual fee.

While some people love maximizing the card’s features to extract  as much value as possible, others, like this Redditor, think it’s too much work:

“The only benefit the Platinum card really adds is Centurion but only to the [cardholder] … I believe the Platinum is worth [it] at least the first year for the [sign-up] bonus but then it doesn't get much use after that. Trust me the credits are really annoying to use.” — r/CreditCards user

These two premium cards stand out from the rest because they offer the most comprehensive features available to suit your travel needs and protect you from any issues that arise. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is an exceptional option to protect you from travel issues, but make sure you know the fine print. While the Amex Platinum may not be as ideal for travel protections, the credits offered more than offset its annual fee if you can put in the effort to fully maximize them.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cardholder, your travel card should always work in your favor by offering the features and benefits you’ll actually use and that make your travels more enjoyable. But whether you’re willing to put in the effort to maximize a card’s value is something you’ll need to decide for yourself.

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

Credit card points and miles are two of the key types of credit card rewards , along with cash back. You’ll earn points and miles by making purchases with your credit card, but you can typically redeem these rewards for travel, gift cards and more — not just statement credits.

Points and miles tend to be more flexible than cash back, but since their value depends on how you redeem them — and, in the case of travel redemptions, where you’re going, when you book, your fare class and more — it may take a bit more effort to make the most of them.

What are your points and miles worth?

Since many airlines and hotels use dynamic pricing models that continually optimize airfare and room prices, it can be hard to know exactly how much your rewards are worth without doing a little math.

Luckily, you don’t need to be a travel hacker to get a sense of this idea. Before you redeem, you can check your reward redemption value by dividing the cost of a plane or hotel booking in cash by its cost in points or miles. This calculation will result in the cash value of your points or miles.

You can also compare this value to Bankrate’s latest points and miles valuations to determine if you’re getting a good deal on your redemptions. Bankrate collected data on hundreds of bookings across dozens of airline, hotel and credit card rewards programs and estimated how much each program’s rewards are worth on average .

• Airline rewards values
• Hotel rewards values
• Credit card program rewards values

The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated reward redemption value for a variety of popular airline loyalty programs. You’ll notice how widely the value varies between airlines, with some offering close to 3 cents per point in average redemption value and others struggling to meet a 1-cent-per-point value.

Keep in mind, however, that these values are averages based on a variety of fare classes, destinations, booking periods and more. For example, while Bankrate estimates Delta SkyMiles carry an average redemption value of around 1.2 cents per mile, they could be worth more or less depending on the details of your booking. 

*Based on weighted average of median point/mile values across economy and first/business class fares.

Like airline miles, hotel points fluctuate in value. The table below shows Bankrate’s estimated point values for some of the most popular hotel brands. 

As you can see, hotel points tend to be worth less than airline and credit card rewards on average, often carrying less than 1 cent per point in redemption value. That said, hotel loyalty programs sometimes offer more favorable exchange rates when you transfer rewards from a credit card rewards program. For example, you may be able to turn 1,000 credit card points into 2,000 hotel points (a 2:1 transfer ratio). 

*Based on median point values across budget, mid-tier and luxury hotel bookings.

Unlike hotel and airline rewards programs, credit card reward programs typically earn points or miles that offer a consistent redemption value when you use them with the issuer. Though the redemption value of your rewards may vary based on how you redeem, each redemption method should offer a consistent baseline value. 

Some credit card rewards programs may also allow you to transfer your points or miles to airline and hotel loyalty programs, which could boost their value considerably. For each major credit card rewards program, we estimate a baseline redemption value (assuming you book for travel with the issuer) and a Bankrate’s Value, which averages the program’s best-value transfer partners.

*Based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (if available).

When to use rewards vs. cash

To demonstrate when it’s best to use your reward miles versus paying in cash, we set up this example:

We estimate American Airlines AAdvantage miles are worth 1.0 cents. If you book a seat in the main cabin on a one-way flight from Boston to Miami, and it costs either $139 or 21,500 miles, your miles are only worth $0.006 ($139 / 21,500 miles = $0.006). Since your miles for this flight are worth less than 1.0 cents, you may want to save your miles and pay cash for this flight.

But if you book a first-class seat on the same flight for $433 or 31,500 miles, your miles are now worth $0.013 ($433 / 31,500 = $0.013). Since 1.3 cents is higher than our latest valuation, you’re coming out ahead if you use your miles to pay for this flight.

Bankrate experts share their advice on using travel credit cards

It’s important to know how to maximize your rewards and perks. Otherwise, a travel card could end up being a money pit. Here are a few pointers from our experts for making the most of your travel card: 

Combine cards to maximize rewards

Knowing how much you spend in different categories and which merchants are eligible for rewards will help you earn more and build an optimized stack of rewards cards. A flat-rate card is often a great starting point to earn the same rate on every purchase you make. As you build out a rewards strategy, you can incorporate a card with bonus categories to earn even more in your highest spending areas.

Expert Insight:

“For a long time, I’ve used a combination of Chase credit cards known as the Chase trifecta for all my family’s spending…. [I] don’t typically use my Sapphire Reserve for everyday spending and bills. Since it only offers 1X points on non-bonus category spending, I use my Freedom Unlimited to make sure I earn a minimum of 1.5 percent cash back on everything I buy.” “I use each card strategically to earn as much in rewards as possible, then I pool them in my Sapphire Reserve account to redeem them for airfare, excursions, hotels and more.” — Holly D. Johnson — Award-winning personal finance writer and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Maximize your rewards value with transfer partners and issuer travel

Save your rewards for the most valuable redemption options. Travel points and miles often lose value toward non-travel options like cash back, so you’ll want to redeem your rewards for travel through the issuer portal for at least 1 cent per point or mile. However, transferring your rewards to the right airline or hotel partner program is usually worth the extra effort since it could net you even more value.

Expert Insight

“When I redeem my points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, the most I can get is 1.25 cents apiece, which is pretty good. However, if I transfer them to a partner airline’s loyalty program, I will often get much more. For example, I can transfer my points to United Airlines MileagePlus and use them to pay for flights. When I do, I generally get a value of 2 or more cents per point — in line with Bankrate estimates that Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth around 2 cents apiece on average when used with the right transfer partner.” — Margaret Wack — Personal finance expert and Bankrate contributor: Why I love the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Make the most of your travel perks

Travel benefits are one of the main reasons to get a travel card, and are often key to making up a card’s annual fee. Be sure to read the fine print to make sure you can take full advantage of these offers . For example, one card’s travel credit may apply to any travel purchase, including airfare, while another card’s may only cover costs like baggage fees or in-flight purchases. 

“This is the year to take inventory of your credit cards and make sure they’re serving you well. If you’re paying an annual fee, look for a card with recurring benefits. Whether it’s annual award nights, waived luggage fees or elite status benefits, these perks can offset your annual fee and make your travels more pleasant … Despite putting minimal spending on my Hilton Honors Amex Aspire card, I keep renewing it every year. That’s because the card provides automatic Hilton Diamond elite status, which can easily offset the $550 annual fee. Recurring card benefits like [these] can save you a lot on travel and are worth considering when shopping for a new credit card.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: Five benefits you need from a travel credit card

Plan for the sign-up bonus

The best travel cards come with generous welcome offers, but these bonuses may require a high spend in a short timeframe. That’s why it’s important to consider whether the spending requirement fits with your typical spending habits or whether you need to plan purchases to meet the requirement. Just be sure not to overextend yourself or take on debt you can’t pay back just to earn a bonus — interest and fees can easily eat through any value you’d get.

“Keep in mind that credit card sign-up offers change often. So if you’re interested in a particular card but not blown away by its current offer (there are some for 100,000 points or more that aren’t always worth the trouble), it could be worth your while to wait for a better one.” — Ariana Arghandewal — Travel rewards expert and Bankrate contributor: 6 ways to get bigger credit card bonuses

Look out for limited-time offers, partner perks and other benefits

Keeping an eye out for limited-time offers like extraordinarily high sign-up bonuses, perks with partner services (like rideshares or delivery services) and other reward-earning opportunities is a great way to squeeze the most value from your travel card. Issuers sometimes provide shopping and travel portals and card-linked reward programs for select purchases (like for pre-paid dining or participating merchant spending), which can help you bank extra rewards.

“Keep an eye on your email inbox and rewards portal for any limited-time promotions your issuer may be offering. Many American Express cards feature Amex Offers, which lets you access perks like statement credits for spending a certain amount on specific hotels and other retailers.  Other cards, like the Capital One Venture X, also have occasional promotional offers, such as a credit for 5 percent back on VRBO rentals.” — Lori Zaino — Travel expert and Bankrate contributor: How to maximize credit cards for cheaper accommodations this holiday season

Track your spending and rewards each account statement

Track your favorite stores’ and services’ merchant category codes (MCCs) to fine-tune your spending habits for maximum rewards. If you notice your expenses changing, this practice may also help you notice whether you need to change which rewards cards you carry.

“The first step to optimizing your spending is to take the time to collect the MCCs of stores you frequently shop at. During the process, you might find that some stores in the same chain may have different MCCs, depending on their primary inventory. Even different counters or sections in the same department store may carry different MCCs. You can use this to your advantage if you know one location near you will provide a better cash back rate than the other. These “loopholes” can provide great opportunities to reap cash back on purchases that typically wouldn’t earn rewards.” — Garrett Yarbrough — Writer and credit cards expert at Bankrate: Merchant category codes: How to earn more cash back

Our data: What credit score do you need for the best travel cards?

It’s no secret that your credit score heavily influences which cards you’re likely to get approval for. But how good does your credit need to be to get the best credit cards for travel? We analyzed our data of Bankrate readers who applied for credit cards on our pages in 2023 and compared the approval rates of readers’ different credit tiers.

We found that, on average, 61.9 percent of users with excellent credit were approved for travel cards on our site. Then, an average of 39.5 percent and 19.5 percent of users with good and fair credit, respectively, got approval for travel credit cards they applied to.

If you have fair or bad credit, you still have options for travel credit cards. For example, the Credit One Bank Wander Card caters to people with fair credit — 57 percent of people with fair credit who applied on our site in 2023 were approved for this card , according to our data.

Obviously, the better your credit, the more likely you are to get the card you apply for , but other factors can affect your application. Issuers may also consider your income, recent credit applications, homeownership status and monthly rental or mortgage payment. Keep these other factors in mind with your credit score when you apply for credit cards.

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email , find us on Facebook , or Tweet us @Bankrate .

When evaluating the best travel cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best travel cards.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology — our primary scoring category for travel cards — and details we considered when putting together our list of the best travel cards.  

• Flexibility 15%
• Customer experience 5%

Great rewards value

The primary criteria for a rewards-earning card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average person’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories. 

We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2022 was $72,967 per consumer. We then narrow our focus to which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards, subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases and education. This gives us a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $25,500.  

This includes the following spending by category:

• Groceries: $5,700
• Dining out: $3,600
• Entertainment: $2,400
• Gas: $3,100
• Apparel and services: $1,900

Using this data, we assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 22 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries.

We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other rewards cards.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Reasonable rates and fees

We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance. 

To start, each card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other rewards cards. However, the latter rating only has a slight influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance.

More important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value. 

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees. 

With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.

That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many people would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.

Redemption flexibility

Rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth. 

As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. 

Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners.

Valuable perks

We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. 

We break down these tiers as follows:

• Tier 1 includes fewer features than even standard credit cards (for example, an ultra-streamlined card that offers basic utility and next to nothing in the way of ancillary benefits). 
• Tier 2 includes the benefits you’d expect on standard Visa or Mastercard credit cards, such as free access to your credit score, car rental insurance and $0 liability for fraudulent charges. 
• Tier 3 includes “prime card” or better-than-average card features like cellphone insurance, lost luggage insurance, concierge services and purchase protection. 
• Tier 4 includes luxury features such as airport lounge access, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs. 
• Tier 5 includes the sort of exemplary benefits you’ll find on top-tier luxury cards, such as high-value travel credits, cardholder memberships and other unique and valuable perks.

In evaluating the best cards, we tend to favor cards that offer at least Tier 3 benefits, unless they include other unique features that could make up for less-impressive perks.

And since this list focuses on travel cards, we tend to favor cards that carry travel-centric features like travel insurance, airport lounge access and credits for expedited security screening, instead of more general perks like food delivery credits or shopping discounts.

More information on travel credit cards

Frequently asked questions about travel credit cards, are travel credit cards worth it.

Travel cards can be well worth it since they often have exclusive travel perks like credits for airfare, hotel stays, expedited airport security services and more, as well as complimentary airport lounge access and airline or hotel privileges. However, many of the best travel credit cards come with annual fees. It’s important to at least offset the cost of these cards by taking advantage of the various travel perks and features included on the card. 

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

It’s possible to get a travel credit card with bad or fair credit, but most travel rewards cards are geared toward people with good or excellent credit (a FICO score of at least 670, or a VantageScore of at least 661).

Do travel miles or points expire?

Even though many major credit cards earn rewards that don’t expire, you may lose your points and miles if your account closes or isn’t in good standing. However, some co-branded cards’ rewards may expire if you don’t earn or redeem rewards within a certain timeframe (typically 12 to 36 months after the rewards are earned).

Check out our guide to credit card rewards expiration for a thorough breakdown of several popular issuers’ policies.

Are points or miles better on a credit card?

Whether points or miles offer better value will depend on the specific rewards program and how you redeem rewards. One airline loyalty program may earn miles that offer less than 1 cent each in average redemption value while another program’s points may offer close to 3 cents each on average. Similarly, a hotel card’s points may be worth less than half of a credit card issuer’s rewards points. Some programs offer points with only average baseline redemption value but high value when transferred to a partner airline or hotel. 

Ask the experts: Is it a good idea to have multiple travel credit cards?

Thomas Nitzsche

Stephanie Zito

Erica Sandberg

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Whether you should have multiple travel credit cards depends on several factors, including your brand affinity, frequency of travel and ability to pay off your cards in full each month. As a credit counselor, I see many people carrying credit card debt at high interest rates while continuing to make charges to the account for the sake of earning rewards. They lose far more than they earn each month. Having more than one travel credit card could make sense for you if you’re able to maximize your earnings by strategizing spending across each card. Just take into account annual fees and actual interest paid.

Contributor, Personal Finance

If you’re up for managing multiple cards and their benefits, then there are definitely big reward payouts to be had. But if the thought of multiple cards is overwhelming, it’s also a good strategy to have one or two more flexible cards and focus on maximizing your earnings and redemptions until it becomes second nature.

Contributor, Credit Cards

Definitely! I currently have two travel credit cards. In addition to the Chase card that I use for my United Airlines purchases, I have the Capital One Venture card for all other airlines. I earn a solid amount of miles on everything I buy with it, so it's an easy go-to for non-travel related expenses.

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

Global entry: Trusted traveler enrollment program . U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Accessed on Feb. 21, 2024

Discover International acceptance . Discover. Accessed on Feb. 21, 2024.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

Protect Your Trip »

13 best carry-on luggage pieces 2024 - we tested them all.

Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Things aren't always as they seem – especially when it comes to luggage. In our quest to find the best carry-on bags, we discovered that while some suitcases look good, they don't always hold up to the demands of travel. Some designs have attractive features that add bulk but not additional functionality, while others just don't live up to the hype.

To determine the best carry-on luggage, we tested dozens of bags on countless trips to find the ideal bag for every travel need. Read on to find the best option in a variety of categories, tested and reviewed by our team of experts.

Best Overall: Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original – Large

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓
• Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Hardside Spinner

Best Hard-sided: Away The Carry-On

Best soft-sided: samsonite solyte dlx carry-on spinner, best lightweight: july carry on light, best for international travel: delsey paris helium aero international carry-on - expandable spinner, best affordable: amazon basics 20-inch hardside spinner.

• Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner
• Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Best for Business Travel: Amazon Basics Expandable Softside Carry-On Spinner – 20.4 Inch

Best luxury: carl friedrik the carry-on pro.

• Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder–22"

Best Carry-on Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. Original photos were taken by our editors during luggage testing.)

Price:  $315 or less

Dimensions: 22.4 x 14.6 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds; 8.85 pounds with closet insert Packing capacity: 4-7 days |  Color options:  Red, purple, navy or 6 others, plus precious metals options Hard- or soft-sided:  Hard-sided   | Warranty: Lifetime

Sturdy and attractive, this suitcase is set apart from the rest by its patented and removable shelving system. This unique design feature makes packing easier, keeps items in place and removes the need for unpacking at your destination. Rather than a zippered clamshell design, the Solgaard Carry-on Closet has two latches that open with just the squeeze of two levers together; it secures with a TSA-approved lock.

The waterproof polycarbonate exterior has an aluminum frame and corner guards so this suitcase can withstand all the rigors of travel. There's also an ergonomic handle and frictionless wheels, which make it easy to maneuver on all types of terrain. What's more, this sustainable suitcase helps to repurpose 6 pounds of plastics that may have ended up in the ocean.

What our editors say:

This carry-on suitcase has it all! From the power bank (sold separately) to the super sturdy and comfortable handle to the removable closet feature – not to mention the attractive yet functional appearance – this suitcase packs a punch. I really like how easy it is to pull on a variety of surfaces, including carpet and brick. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $369.99 or less

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 10 days; 45 liters | Color options: White, red, blue, green or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner is a truly well-rounded carry-on with a plethora of unique features. USB A & C ports on the outside of the bag give easy access to charging. (A power bank is not included, though the bag does have a pocket for one inside the expansion zipper.) Self-aligning magnetic wheels – a reviewer-favorite feature – allow painless travel through the airport as well as on roads, sidewalks, uneven surfaces and more. A built-in TSA zipper lock offers ultimate protection for your possessions.

Even without the features listed above, this Travelpro spinner is, at its core, a high-quality piece. The hard outer shell is ultra-strong and 100% polycarbonate; aluminum corner guards further protect your belongings. The clamshell-style suitcase has two large interior compartments along with three extra pockets, one of which is water-resistant, and the expansion zipper allows for an extra 2 inches of packing room. Plus, this carry-on is made with genuine leather trim, so you can travel in style as well as comfort.

There are some amazing features on this carry-on, but my favorite is the wheels – as someone who typically prefers hands-free travel (primarily backpacks), I found that the way this suitcase easily glides around everywhere absolutely changed my mind about wheeled luggage. Just know that since this is one of the larger bags on this list, I would still check your airline's carry-on size requirements before traveling (though it's been tested for most major domestic airlines, and it fit perfectly on Delta). – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $275 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 39.8 liters | Color options: Black, navy, blue gray or olive, plus 2 glossy options Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited

When it comes to hard-sided carry-on luggage , nothing beats The Carry-On by Away. The bag is lightweight yet indestructible thanks to a 100% polycarbonate exterior. Plus, you can easily wipe away most scratches with a magic eraser.

In late 2023, Away launched a new iteration of The Carry-On that somehow made it even more efficient. The most notable new features are an additional underside grab handle, three extra interior compartments, and an enhanced compression system that upholds the bag's ability to accommodate nearly a week's worth of clothing. The bag's 360-degree wheels are also slimmer than those of its predecessor for improved maneuverability. While Away has long been known for its neutral colored matte options, glossy options of this bag are now available.

The Away Carry-On is my ride or die. I've taken it on so many trips over the past five-plus years and it's still in perfect shape. I know I'll have it with me for many years to come. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content and SEO Strategist

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $199.99 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Black, gray, green, aqua blue or royal blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This classic soft-sided option from Samsonite offers everything you need for a smooth trip. There are three spacious pockets and a trolley strap on the outside so you can stack it on top of another rolling suitcase, as well as a USB port for charging your phone (though you'll have to purchase a battery separately).

Inside the suitcase, three more zippered pockets – including one for wet items – help you stay organized, while buckles keep the main compartment's tie-down straps out of your way while packing. This spinner can conveniently expand by 0.75 inches, but keep in mind if you're flying that overpacking may put it over your carry-on size allowance.

I've used other spinner suitcases in the past, but none of them glide as smoothly as this bag, with its 360-degree dual-spinner wheels. I also love the high-quality, lightweight material, but my favorite part is its organizational features – especially the WetPak pocket. I'd highly recommend the Samsonite SoLyte DLX for anyone who needs a trusty soft-sided carry-on for a flight; it definitely fits more than I thought it would. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $245 or less

Dimensions: 21.25 x 14.17 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.9 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Beige, light green, dark green, lilac, charcoal or 3 others Hard- or soft-sided: Hard | Warranty: Lifetime with 100-day returns

Weighing just under 4 pounds, this bag is the lightest hard-sided carry-on we found on the market. It's constructed with an extremely durable German polycarbonate shell, and the interior has two mesh zippered compartments to keep your belongings from shifting. The inner nylon lining is also resistant to water and stains. To make the suitcase easy to maneuver, there's a top carry handle, a telescoping handle and dual-spinner wheels.

I was absolutely shocked by how light this suitcase is. While some lightweight designs can be extremely flimsy, this July carry-on is very durable and holds a good amount of clothing. With compression packing cubes I was able to pack enough clothing for a week. It was extremely easy to put in the plane's overhead compartment, and the wheels rolled very smoothly for my entire journey. The only thing I noticed is that since the bag is so lightweight, the trolley bag I had was making it want to topple. Next time, I'd use a smaller tote or a north-south design to avoid that issue. – Rachael Hood

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $179.99 or less

Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.16 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 41 liters | Color options: Black, blue, red or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This DELSEY PARIS carry-on is a well-built piece of hard-sided luggage. It meets carry-on suitcase size restrictions for most international airlines and offers an easily accessible front compartment – ideal for a laptop up to 15.6 inches or other items you want to be able to grab quickly. The suitcase has a TSA lock and two spacious internal compartments for clothing, shoes and travel gear. The double-spinner wheels glide smoothly across all types of surfaces, and the handle pulls out and retracts with ease.

I was incredibly impressed by this little workhorse of a carry-on bag. There are so many different pockets and compartments within it for organization, and it fits a surprising amount of clothes, shoes and accessories. The handle and wheels make it easy to maneuver, and the glossy exterior makes it look sleek and chic. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

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Price: $80 or less

Dimensions: 21.46 x 14.76 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 23 liters | Color options: Black, navy blue, orange or light blue Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

The Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner is similar to many other hard-sided luggage products on the market, but it's available at a fraction of the price. The ABS shell is textured, so even if you – or luggage handlers – bang it around a bit, it does not show scuffs or scratches easily. The double-spinner wheels (a must, honestly, in today's luggage landscape) make the bag effortless to maneuver.

Inside, one side of the bag features a compression strap, while the other has a large fabric zippered closure, complete with a few organizer pockets for smaller items. Thanks to its availability on Amazon Prime, the carry-on luggage ships quickly, so it's also a great option if you need new luggage in a crunch.

This carry-on bag is a superb selection for the budget-conscious traveler. I appreciated how much I was able to get into this bag (it doesn't look huge, but it fit quite a lot), and the textured exterior really ups the durability factor. The compression straps and the interior organizer even helped me squeeze in a bit more. – Erin Evans

Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner

Price: $699 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 (up to 11.5) inches | Weight: 10 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 37-48 liters | Color options: Black, navy or olive Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

The Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner has a standout feature that other bags on this list don't: one-touch CX expansion. Exclusive to Briggs & Riley, this technology allows your bag to expand and compress in one swift motion. Simply press and pull up on the red levers found at opposite ends of the bag, and it will grow 2.5 inches. Once you've packed your belongings, push down on the buttons to compress the bag before zipping it up.

This bag also features a garment folder to reduce wrinkles in a suit or dress, as well as cinch-down garment panels to secure the clothing in place. Other convenient features include interior mesh compartments for organization, an exterior pocket for airport essentials (or even your laptop) and a signature PowerPocket where you can charge your smartphone.

While the bag is undoubtedly an investment at $700, its "simple as that" guarantee (free repairs forever, no questions asked) – plus sturdy features like impact-resistant corner guards and self-repairing zippers – means you'll have it for life.

When it comes to quality, this is the best luggage I've ever used – period. The compression/expansion system is just the icing on the cake. – Amanda Norcross

Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Price: $165 or less

Dimensions: 16 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds Packing capacity: 2-4 days; 34 liters | Color options: Chocolate, oatmeal or rose quartz Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 2-year limited

Compact and filled with useful features, this CALPAK underseater has a water-resistant exterior, a TSA-approved lock, and side and top handles for easy lifting into the overhead or pushing under the seat. There's a telescoping handle, a luggage trolley sleeve and two exterior pockets for stowing small items like your passport, boarding pass and earbuds.

On the inside, there's a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior pockets and compression straps. For added convenience, the main panel can be secured via built-in snaps to get your laptop out while traveling (and keep your other belongings from spilling out), or you can unsnap it while packing to maximize the interior storage space.

When I'm traveling on a quick trip with my laptop, this is my go-to bag. Its compact size glides easily under the seat, and it's also compact and light enough to fit into the overhead bin even on the smallest regional planes. I love the laptop sleeve and the zippered exterior pocket for my book, earbuds and wipes. To maximize the interior space, I use compression cubes from Lug , and I'm able to squeeze in four to five outfits, a pair of shoes and daily necessities. – Rachael Hood

Price: $83 or less

Dimensions: 20.4 x 14.9 x 8.2 inches | Weight: 6.35 pounds Packing capacity: 2-3 days; 26 liters | Color options: Black, olive, gray, red, blue or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

This simple but sturdy carry-on piece from Amazon is a great option for business travelers, thanks to its front pocket for easy laptop access, smooth double-spinner wheels and TSA lock. This Amazon Basics soft-sided carry-on also features a handle on the bottom between the wheels, which makes it easy to put the bag up into and pull it out of the overhead bin. On some airplanes, it may even be small enough to fit under the seat.

The interior of the bag features one large compartment with two compression straps, plus two zippered pockets on the opposite site. The 20.4-inch option is ideal for shorter trips, but this style is available in larger sizes as well. Another bonus: It's available on Amazon Prime, so it ships quickly.

This Amazon Basics option is on the smaller side for a carry-on, but that's what makes it a solid choice for business travelers going on short trips who only need to pack a few things. The laptop pocket is easily accessible, and the handle on the bottom of the bag is super useful for hauling it out of an overhead bin. The black color is professional, and the price can't be beat. – Erin Evans

Price: $565 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 43 liters | Color options: Gray/cognac, gray/chocolate, gray/black or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime with a 100-day trial

Constructed with premium materials, this luxury carry-on has Italian leather accents, Japanese spinner wheels and a polycarbonate exterior with an aluminum metal frame for stability. It closes via two secure latches with combination locks (rather than a zipper). There's a front laptop compartment with a smaller pocket and pen slots to keep business essentials or travel documents easy to access.

The interior has leather details, compression straps and a removable compression pad with a pocket – ideal for small items like ties, fashion jewelry or silk scarves. Travelers can also purchase an additional compression pad to have a pad on each side of the interior compartment.

This suitcase exudes luxury with its Italian leather trim and understated elegance. The design of it looks very sleek, the interior is spacious, the handle is very sturdy and the wheels glide with ease. I especially liked that the top of the suitcase is very flat, which gave my trolley bag a secure base so it wasn't moving around while I was at the airport, and the front compartment was ideal for accessing my laptop on the go. It feels very sturdy, but the only downside is it weighs more than a typical carry-on. – Rachael Hood

Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder – 22"

Price: $270 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 40 liters | Color options: Black Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The North Face's 22-inch Rolling Thunder duffel doesn't have the bells and whistles of other carry-on options, but it's a sturdy and reliable option for those who want a duffel style on wheels. The duffel has a hard-sided back panel, two wheels that can withstand various terrain and plastic bumpers for abrasion resistance. The soft-sided top of the bag is made of water-resistant Base Camp material and nylon for extra durability. There are two zippered pockets on the outside to stash small items and a mesh pocket inside for some added organization.

I brought this duffel on a trip to New Zealand, and it held up very well. The Rolling Thunder had no issues after being checked on six different flights, and the flexibility of the style allowed me to easily store it out of the way in my campervan once I had unpacked. It's definitely a simpler style, but it does its job well. Be aware, though, that this wheeled style doesn't have straps that would allow you to carry it like a duffel; it can only be rolled. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $200 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-10 days; 35 liters | Color options: Multiple options but color availability changes frequently Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

When it comes to hands-free and adventure travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L can't be beat. This lightweight carry-on backpack comes with a sternum strap, a removable waist belt and a weight-distributing harness system, all to make for a comfortable carry (since sore shoulders can be a concern when it comes to carrying backpacks through time-consuming airport experiences).

Organization is a breeze with a top zippered pocket – perfect for storing travel documents or a Cotopaxi hip pack – and a padded laptop sleeve on the outside. Internally, you'll find two mesh compartments, one large and one subdivided, that work great with Cotopaxi packing cubes . The backpack's straps can be tucked away for more streamlined travel, and the bag even comes with a rain cover (though the Allpa is already TPU-coated to be water-resistant).

Furthermore, Cotopaxi is dedicated to sustainability : 94% of Cotopaxi products contain repurposed, recycled or responsible materials. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind Del Dia Allpa backpacks , for example, use remnant fabric.

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures and it's survived everything – wind, rain, being shoved into tiny rental cars, you name it. Besides being incredibly durable, I love how much this backpack can fit; my longest trip so far with only the Allpa 35L as my luggage has been a comfortable nine days, and that included packing bulky cold-weather gear. I just wish it had a water bottle pocket like the Allpa 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson

Also Recommended

Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner: While the Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner is a solid (and sustainable) carry-on bag for less than $200, it doesn't offer quite enough space – especially for someone who may be traveling for longer.

Away The Aluminum Carry-On Bag: This is a well-built carry-on bag. The only downfall is that it's on the heavier side, weighing nearly 11 pounds. Away's Aluminum Carry-On is also more than twice the cost of the standard carry-on by Away, which works just as well.

Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner: This is a great soft-sided option if you're looking for a lightweight suitcase. Featuring a sleek nylon construction, a large front exterior pocket and internal zippered pockets, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner works well but isn't as lightweight as the July Carry-on Light.

Monos Carry-on Plus: It's a high-quality suitcase with a lot of internal details, but given its larger size this bag doesn't fit in the overhead compartment on multiple planes (especially regional jets). That said, if you're traveling domestically on larger planes, the Monos Carry-on Plus could be an option to consider. Or, the smaller standard Monos Carry-on could be a good option as well.

Pros and Cons of Hard-sided Luggage

Pros and cons of soft-sided luggage, frequently asked questions.

Aside from traditional rolling suitcases, the following items can be used as carry-on luggage provided they meet carry-on size limitations (which vary by airline) and fit in the overhead bin or fully under the seat (not sticking out) in front of you.

• Duffel and weekender bags:  This includes weekenders and duffel bags with wheels . Just note that wheels are included in carry-on dimension restrictions.
• Garment bags:  These are also considered carry-on baggage by most airlines. You can place your garment bag in the overhead bin, or in some cases, a small closet on the plane.
• Pet carriers:  Some airlines consider pet carriers to be carry-on luggage. Check with your chosen airline when preparing for your trip with Fido.
• Backpacks:  If your carry-on backpack fits under the seat, it will count toward your personal item allowance on most major airlines. This means you'll have the option to bring an additional bag for the overhead bin.
• Diaper bags: If you're traveling with a baby, diaper bags and other baby travel gear generally don't count toward either allowance – meaning you can bring these items in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.

Purses , briefcases and camera bags can be carried on the plane as well, but usually aren't considered carry-on bags and are instead labeled personal items. Underseater bags – often designed specifically to fit comfortably under a plane seat – are also ideal as a personal item.

Typically, travelers can bring one carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) and one personal item (for under the seat) on the plane, free of charge.

Carry-on luggage sizes can vary by airline. Several major U.S. carriers, such as American Airlines and United, impose a 22 x 14 x 9-inch rule. If you're buying new carry-on luggage, this is a good default size to choose – especially if you fly with a variety of airlines.

For international airlines, it's often 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. To be sure about dimensions as well as any weight restrictions, see our guide to Carry-on Luggage Size & Weight by Airline . It usually doesn't matter how heavy your carry-on bag is, though some airlines do monitor the weight.

• Hard-sided: The hard-sided July Carry On Light weighs less than 4 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight carry-on bags on the market. Other lightweight carry-on bags we recommend include the hard-sided Away The Carry-On (7.5 pounds) and the Amazon 20-Inch Hardside Spinner (7.3 pounds).
• Soft-sided: If you're looking for a lightweight, soft-sided carry-on bag, consider the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner (4.8 pounds) and the Samsonite SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner (7.1 pounds).

Hard-sided luggage is often heavier than soft-sided luggage – but only by a few pounds. If you're planning to purchase a hard-sided carry-on bag, look for something that's made of polycarbonate or polypropylene, both of which are lightweight yet durable materials.

How We Tested

Our team tested 26 carry-on bags across several price points and on a variety of trips spanning overseas flights, weekend getaways, overnight trips and more. We traveled by car, plane, train and cruise and packed for a variety of climates and activities, from shore excursions in Mexico to rainy road trips around Iceland. For bags with wheels, we tested their maneuverability on multiple surfaces, including gravel, pavement, grass, moving walkways, cobblestone and carpet. After four months of testing, we deem these carry-on bags the best of the best for 2024.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

The following editors personally tested the luggage recommended in this article:

Erin Evans , Managing Editor: Evans loves a durable bag and also can't say no to a good deal. Considering how banged up luggage can get, her picks on this list are both well-made and affordable.

Rachael Hood , Senior Editor: Hood rarely checks a bag, yet she loves to pack a lot and pick up some new finds along her journey. She looks for a combination of durability, functionality, interior space and overall appearance.

Catriona Kendall , Associate Editor: Kendall opts for convenient and versatile carry-ons that can work well for weekend and weekslong trips alike.

Amanda Norcross , Content & SEO Strategist: Norcross has mastered the art of traveling with a carry-on bag only, but believes this is only possible with the right luggage.

Leilani Osmundson , Digital Producer: Osmundson prefers lightweight, streamlined luggage that's ideal for adventure travel.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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12 Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in Canada for 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

A bad credit score doesn’t mean you can’t get a credit card, though you may have fewer cards to choose from. That said, there are plenty of credit cards specifically designed for those with low or no credit history.

Whether you want to establish your credit history as a Canadian newcomer, repair a damaged credit score or simply need access to a card that fits your financial situation, a credit card geared towards those with no or bad credit may be the solution.

• Best overall credit cards for bad credit
• Best overall credit cards for fair credit
• Best overall credit cards for no credit
• How we evaluate cards
• Summary of our selections

How to get a credit card with bad credit

American express cobalt® card.

Welcome Offer: Earn up to 15,000 points (up to $150)! In your first year, as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards ® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750. Earn 5X points on eligible Eats & Drinks. Earn 3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions. Earn 2X points on Travel and Transit. Terms and Conditions Apply.

Best overall credit cards for bad credit in Canada

Best secured credit card for: Cash back

Neo secured credit.

• Build credit history with on-time payments.
• Set your credit limit and get started with as little as $50.
• Guaranteed approval with no credit score needed to apply.
• 0.5% guaranteed monthly minimum cashback.
• No monthly or annual fees.
• Depending on plan (base or premium), customers can earn up to 6% on restaurants and bars, 4% on apps like DoorDash and Disney+, 3% on gas and groceries, and 0.5% on all other purchases.
• Personalized Insights AI generates tailored information and recommendations designed specifically for you.

Best prepaid card for: Building credit

Koho prepaid mastercard (essential plan).

• Sign up for a KOHO account with code NERDWALLET and get $40 when you make your first purchase!*.
• Earn 1% cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation. Plus, up to 50% extra cashback from select merchants.
• Earn 5% interest on both your spending and savings account. Your funds will also be eligible for CDIC insurance. Interest rates are per year, calculated daily, paid monthly, and can change at any time without notice.
• Choose from one of four exciting card colours. Receive both a physical and virtual card.
• Start adding funds and shopping online while you wait for your physical card to arrive in the mail. No need to budge from your couch to make online purchases. Just use your virtual card!
• Card Security – KOHO provides a different card number to help protect your physical card number when you’re shopping or booking services online
• Add your KOHO card to Apple, Samsung or Google Pay
• Automate your savings with Goals and RoundUps. Rounding up every purchase lets you stash away some savings, while Goals make it easier to save for whatever it is that makes you happy
• Lock in savings with Vault that keeps the funds you don’t want to spend separate from your spendable balance
• Create custom budgets and track your spending habits. Know where you’re at in real time with instant notifications every time you spend.

Best no-fee secured card for: Building credit

Home trust secured visa (no annual fee).

• No annual fee.
• Lower interest rate available for a $59 annual fee.
• $500 minimum security fund deposit required.
• $10,000 maximum security fund deposit.
• Hard credit checks are made on Home Trust Secured Visa applications.
• Credit activity, including every payment, is reported to TransUnion and Equifax, the two major consumer credit bureaus in Canada.
• Ability to upgrade to an unsecured credit card.
• Manage your account and billing online.
• Cardholders can choose between a card with no annual fee and 19.99% interest or an annual fee of $59 and 14.90% interest.
• Protection against fraud through Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.
• Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases and cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have a source of income and cannot currently be in bankruptcy. You must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live. The Home Trust Secured Visa Card is not available to Québec residents.

Best credit cards for fair credit in Canada

Best fair credit card for: Hotel stays

Marriott bonvoy® american express®* card.

• New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership. Subject to change at any time
• Earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
• Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary.
• No annual fee on Additional Cards.
• Redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates at over 7,000 of the world’s most desired hotels.
• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. These can be used towards attaining the next level of Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
• Enjoy an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card each year or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your card.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. Conditions Apply. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best fair credit card for: No annual fee

• No annual fees.
• Earn instant unlimited cashback at thousands of partners that you can save for later or use immediately.
• Earn an average of 5% cashback at 10,000+ partners across the country.
• Pay with Neo Credit to earn cashback. Then split the bill in the app to send multiple Interac e-Transfer® requests instantly. The payments will be directly deposited into your Neo Money™ account.
• Cash out the cashback you’ve earned with Neo Credit to a Neo Money™ account to take advantage of one of the highest everyday interest rates.

Honourable mention for: Fair credit

Home trust no fee preferred visa rewards credit card.

• Receive 1% cash back¹ on every eligible purchase made with your Home Trust Preferred Visa*.
• CashBack Rewards earned are displayed every month on your statement, and the total amount earned for the previous year will be provided to you as a credit in January.
• Use your Home Trust Preferred Visa on purchases made in foreign currencies without added foreign exchange fees², whether you’re spending while abroad or shopping online at home.
• Worldwide access from anywhere you are, for hotel and travel reservations or shopping in-store and online. Access cash at over 2.5 million ATMs in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
• Manage your Visa account easily and securely — at any time, and from anywhere. Get your balance and view your transactions at Home Trust Visa Online.
• Purchase Security³: insures eligible items against theft or damage for 90 days from the date of purchase.
• Manage your Home Trust Visa account easily and securely — at anytime from anywhere in the world. View the card’s balance, transactions and pay bills online at Home Trust Visa Online.
• Guaranteed hotel reservations — with this international travel credit card, you can request a guaranteed hotel reservation anywhere in the world and your room will be held for you even if you arrive late.
• To be eligible, $15,000 individual annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live. You cannot currently be in bankruptcy or be a resident of Quebec.

Best credit cards for no credit in Canada

Best credit cards for canadian newcomers.

Best newcomer card for: Travel rewards

Bmo air miles®† mastercard®*.

• Welcome offer: Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles!* That’s enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash.*
• Get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months, 2% fee applies to balance amounts transferred.*
• Get 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners and 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store.*
• Get 1 Mile for every $25 spent everywhere else.*
• Use your BMO AIR MILES Mastercard and AIR MILES Collector Card at an AIR MILES Partner to earn Reward Miles from both.*
• No annual fee.*
• Receive a discount on car rentals.*
• Extended Warranty.*
• Purchase Protection.*
• *Terms and conditions apply.
• BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Best newcomer card for: Cash back rewards

Bmo cashback® mastercard®*.

• Welcome offer: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
• Then get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases!*
• Now earn the highest cash back on groceries in Canada without paying an annual fee!†
• No Annual fee.*
• Want to get your cash back ASAP? Now you can redeem your cash back anytime through direct deposit, as a credit on your statement or into your BMO InvestorLine account.*
• †Statement based on a comparison of the non-promotional grocery rewards earn rate on Canadian cash back credit cards as of January 4, 2023.

Best newcomers card for: No foreign transaction fees

Scotiabank passport™ visa infinite* card.

• Earn up to $1,100+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived on your first supplementary card. Offer Ends January 3, 2024.
• The only major bank credit card offering you no foreign transaction fees, including for shopping online or abroad.
• Your Award Winning Card For Travel.
• Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more).
• Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• You’ll earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• Airport lounge access through complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, plus six complimentary lounge visits per year from the date of enrollment, providing you with access to 1,200+ airport lounges globally, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges.
• Visa Infinite* benefits including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and Entertainment & Lifestyle Offers.
• Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or a minimum assets under management of $250,000. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Best credit cards for students

Best overall student card

Bmo cashback® mastercard®* for students.

• Welcome offer: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
• Get cash back every time you spend, plus start building a healthy credit history.

Best for: Customizable spending categories

Tangerine money-back credit card.

• 2% on two categories of your choice: grocery, furniture, restaurants, hotel-motel, gas, recurring bill payments, drug store, home improvement, entertainment, or public transportation and parking.
• Get a third cash-back category by choosing to have your rewards deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account.
• 0.50% on everything else.
• Redeem cash back monthly as a statement credit or deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account.
• Transfer balances within your first 30 days and pay only 1.95% interest on the transferred balance for the first six months (19.95% after that). 1% balance transfer fee applies to the amount transferred.
• Get free cards for any authorized users on your account.
• It only includes purchase assurance and extended protection insurance. For more insurance, consider the Tangerine World Mastercard which requires a minimum personal income of $60,000. If you meet this requirement, you will automatically be considered for the World card if you apply for the Money-Back card.
• Preferred rates: 19.95% for purchases and cash advances.
• To be eligible, a $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Best student card for: Aeroplan points

Cibc aeroplan® visa card for students.

• 1x Aeroplan points per dollar on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases, up to $40,000 annual spend.
• 1x Aeroplan points per $1.50 spent on all other purchases, including gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases that exceed the $40,000 threshold.
• Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and 170+ online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
• Aeroplan Points never expire and can be redeemed for a variety of travel, merchandise, gift card, and other rewards offered by Aeroplan’s participating partners and suppliers.
• $0 annual fee.
• Get three free months of Uber Pass for discounts on rides, meals and more. Offer ends September 8, 2022.
• Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $6 spent on CIBC Global Money Transfer, with no transaction fees or interest as long as you pay your balance on time. Offer ends June 30, 2022.
• Maximize your points by adding up to three additional cards and giving them to your spouse or other family members. Points can be shared with other Aeroplan members in your household.
• Earn points by using your CIBC Aeroplan Visa to automatically make recurring bill payments.
• Receive preferred pricing when paying for flights with your Aeroplan points.
• Save up to 25% on car rentals at participating Budget and Avis locations worldwide when paying with your card.
• Save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations if you link your card with Journie Rewards.
• Use the CIBC Pace It feature to make installment payments on large purchases.
• Four types of insurance are provided: auto rental collision and loss damage insurance, purchase security, extended protection insurance, and $100,000 in common carrier accident insurance.
• Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have full-time status in a college or university.

Methodology: How we evaluate cards

NerdWallet Canada selected the best credit cards for bad credit based on overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Our evaluation is weighted by several factors, which depend on the card type. For unsecured credit cards: 50% rewards value, 25% intro offer, and 25% fees and interest. For secured cards: 50% features specific to secured credit cards, 30% fees and interest, 12% rewards and 8% intro offer. For prepaid cards: 60% features specific to prepaid cards, 15% fees, 15% rewards, and 10% intro offer. Rewards value considers earning rates, rewards structure, promotional rates and spending categories. The intro offer considers the welcome bonus value, promotional interest rates, and any waived fees. Fees and interest consider the annual fee, additional costs such as foreign transaction fees, and interest rates for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances. Features specific to secured credit cards include minimum and maximum deposit, ability to upgrade to an unsecured credit card, credit checks and credit reporting. Features specific to prepaid cards include minimum and maximum deposit, maximum reload amount in any 24-hour period, ATM access, insurance benefits, digital wallet compatibility, and more. Only reloadable prepaid cards that are available online, secured credit cards with online applications, and unsecured cards that the issuer explicitly markets as suitable for bad or fair credit scores were considered for this list. We only assessed cards available to consumers in multiple Canadian provinces and territories.

Summary of best credit cards for bad credit, fair credit and no credit

A poor credit score, or a lack of credit history, isn’t the end of the world — and it doesn’t mean you can’t get a credit card . If you’re looking to build or rehabilitate your credit, a credit card can be a stepping stone to a stronger score.

Credit cards for bad credit connect people with credit options that work for their financial situation. Low or no credit doesn’t need to immobilize you. Numerous card options can help you build your credit.

What credit score is needed for a credit card?

A credit score of 660 or more is typically the eligibility threshold for most credit cards. You can still qualify for a credit card with a lower score, but your card options may be limited. Certain types of credit cards , like prepaid or secured cards, are designed for those with low or no credit.

What is a credit score and how is it calculated?

A credit score is a three-digit number — typically between 300 to 900 — that represents your creditworthiness. The higher your score, the more creditworthy you appear in the eyes of potential lenders. Your score is generated from your credit report by the two major Canadian credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion.

The credit bureaus collect information about your payment history from your creditors. They then use this information to calculate your credit score..

Credit scoring models aren’t publicly available, but generally speaking, here’s how credit scores tend to be categorized:

What is a bad credit score in Canada?

A credit score below 600 is considered poor. A score in this range will make qualifying for an unsecured credit card difficult, if not impossible. Even a score of 600 to 659 — fair, by most scoring standards — may result in card denial.

Financial events and factors that may result in a lower credit score include:

• Late bill payments.
• Little to no credit history.
• Too few credit accounts.
• Foreclosures, bankruptcies and delinquencies.
• Past-due accounts being transferred to collections agencies.
• Consistently using most or all of your available credit .
• Opening numerous new accounts in a short period of time.
• Too many different types of credit accounts and not a good mix of debt (credit cards, loans, mortgages, etc.).

How can you tell if you have bad credit?

You can check your credit score by contacting Equifax or TransUnion or using a third-party financial service.

Equifax offers online access to your credit score and report when you sign up for a free online subscription. You can also submit a request by phone, by mail or in person and receive  a paper copy by mail. You should expect to receive your credit information within five to 10 business days following the request.

You can access your credit report — which TransUnion calls a consumer disclosure — for free through TransUnion’s website. If you live in Quebec, you’ll find your credit score included in your consumer disclosure. Canadians outside of Quebec must sign up for TransUnion’s subscription-based credit monitoring service for $24.95 monthly to see their credit score. This service includes email updates of changes to your credit score, personalized debt analysis and up to $1,000,000 in ID restoration insurance.

Third-party personal finance service or bank

Outside the two major Canadian credit bureaus, you may also be able to check your credit score through a third-party financial service. A number of major Canadian banks, including BMO, CIBC, RBC and Scotiabank, offer credit score access via their online banking platforms and mobile apps.

How long do bad credit events stay on your report?

Negative credit events typically stay on your credit report for six to seven years — though this may fluctuate depending on the nature and severity of the incident, as well as your location. For example, if you live in Prince Edward Island, bankruptcy may stay on your report for up to 10 years.

Easiest types of credit cards to get approved for in Canada

For those with poor credit, certain types of credit cards may be easier to access than others.

Secured credit cards

A secured credit card requires a cash deposit to open an account. The amount that you deposit typically becomes your credit limit. So, if you deposit $500, your credit limit will be $500. Secured cards work just like other credit cards. You can use them wherever credit cards are accepted, and you’ll accrue interest on any outstanding balances.

Secured credit cards give card issuers peace of mind because if you fail to pay your bill on time, they will take money from your initial security deposit to repay the balance. In this way, these cards are secured by the initial deposit you make when you open your account — hence the name. These cards differ from traditional credit cards, also called unsecured cards, which aren’t secured by any form of deposit.

If you consistently pay your bill on time, one of the best secured cards in Canada can help you build your credit and improve your score. Plus, you’ll get your initial deposit back when you close your account.

Which makes sense for you? Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards: How to Choose

Prepaid cards

A prepaid card is sort of like a debit card: you load money onto your card and spend the balance when you make a purchase.

Transactions charged to a prepaid card are withdrawn from available funds in real time. Unlike a traditional credit card, a prepaid card won’t help you build your credit score because your transactions aren’t typically reported to the credit bureaus, so your credit history and score aren’t impacted by using the card.

So, why get a prepaid card? Well, you can use them wherever traditional credit cards are accepted, and the best prepaid cards earn rewards or boast other special features. Plus, they don’t require a credit check, which means those with low or no credit are eligible to apply.

Store credit cards

Store credit cards — also called retail credit cards — are cards offered exclusively by retailers. You can only use these cards at the associated store, but they tend to provide appealing perks and rewards.

Student credit cards

Student cards are unsecured cards that often have low or no annual fees and attractive perks, like rewards and insurance coverage. While many entry-level unsecured credit cards may be suitable for students, some issuers specifically offer official student-branded credit cards that have fewer criteria for acceptance.

To qualify for these official student cards, you must be the age of majority in your province or territory — no credit check required. You may be asked to demonstrate that you’re a post-secondary student by providing proof of enrollment. You’ll begin building your credit history as you use one of the best student credit cards .

Newcomer credit cards

Recently moved to Canada? Finding a credit card as a newcomer with no Canadian credit score or history may feel like a daunting task. But each of the Big Six banks in Canada — BMO, CIBC, National Bank, RBC, Scotiabank and TD Bank — offer credit cards specifically designed for newcomers.

These cards typically don’t require an established credit history to apply.. Many newcomer cards boast the same perks and rewards programs as traditional credit cards.

Eligible applicants must be the age of majority in the province or territory where they live and must provide some personal information, like their date of birth, residential address and Social Insurance Number. Sometimes, proof of status as a Canadian newcomer, like a Canadian Permanent Resident Card, confirmation of Permanent Residence, or a work or study permit, is required.

Cards for Canadian newcomers tend to have lower credit limits — often ranging between $5,000 to $15,000.

Establishing your credit score as a newcomer to Canada

Some financial institutions may accept credit history from outside of Canada, but this isn’t always the case. So, one of the best ways to build your credit score as a newcomer to Canada is to apply for a credit card . Credit cards establish your credit history and contribute to your credit report. Payment and credit history can have a big impact on your credit score, so don’t delay.

Loan and line of credit payments also contribute to your credit history, so don’t be shy about having more than one credit product. So long as you pay your bills on time, you’ll be well on your way to building your Canadian credit history and getting one of the best credit cards available .

Guaranteed approval for credit cards for bad credit

Guaranteed approval credit cards guarantee your card approval as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Cards with guaranteed approval are rare and are typically secured credit cards.

Eligibility criteria for these cards typically include the following:

• Canadian residency.
• Age of majority in your province or territory.
• Minimum security deposit requirements.

Credit cards for fair credit Canada

Most unsecured cards require a credit score of at least 660 to qualify, but there are some cards open to people in the fair credit score range. If you have fair credit, you’ll find fewer cards to choose from, but if you use your card responsibly , your score will improve and more card options will become available over time.

How to compare credit cards for bad credit

Consider the following before you fill out a credit card application:

• Credit check. If you don’t feel confident about your score, seek a card that doesn’t require a credit check. 
• Eligibility criteria. Some credit cards for low or no credit are strictly limited to those who meet certain eligibility criteria, like newcomers to Canada or post-secondary school students.
• Deposit . A card that requires a deposit may be easier to qualify for but could be a dealbreaker for those who don’t have the necessary funds on hand.  
• Card features. Insurance, rewards, travel perks, interest rates — no two credit cards are the same, so consider benefits and features to find the card best suited to your lifestyle. 

How to apply for a credit card with bad credit

Finding the credit card that works best for your financial situation can help you rebuild your credit and improve your credit score.

Here’s how to apply for a credit card with bad credit:

• Know your credit score. Your credit score is important information that will help you make an informed decision about the card you pursue. With it, you’ll be able to target cards you have a chance of being approved for and avoid an application rejection, which could harm your score. Get your credit score from your bank or one of the credit bureaus.
• Explore your options. Secured and prepaid cards are both viable choices for someone with bad credit. These cards will have different credit limits, interest rates and perks, so weigh your options carefully.
• Complete an application. No matter how eager you are to get a credit card, try to limit yourself to a single card application at a time . Card applications impact your credit score and multiple applications could act as a red flag for providers and hurt your chances of approval.

Does applying for a credit card affect your credit score?

Applying for a credit card can negatively affect your score. Each time you submit a credit card application, the card issuer must perform a hard credit inquiry . These hard credit checks can drop your score by a few points, regardless of whether you’re approved or not.

Do multiple credit cards affect your credit score?

Whether having multiple credit cards will positively or negatively impact your score depends more on how you use them than how many you carry. Having more than one credit card increases your combined credit limit. So long as you don’t max out both cards, the increased credit limit means your credit utilization ratio will drop, which can positively impact your credit score.

That said, you may run into trouble if you have multiple cards that you consistently keep at or near their credit limit. Failing to pay your credit card bill on time will also hurt your score.

A good rule of thumb when you carry multiple cards is to keep your credit utilization low — 30% of your overall limit or less — and automate your card payments so you never fall behind.

6 ways to improve credit score

If you have a bad credit score, don’t panic. There are numerous ways to improve your credit .

• Get a credit card to rebuild credit . A credit card can help you rehabilitate your credit score, so long as you use it responsibly and consistently pay your bill on time.
• Limit your credit applications. Whether it’s a card or another form of credit, like a loan, limit your applications to avoid too many hard credit checks on your record. Also: numerous applications may look suspicious in the eyes of your potential lenders.
• Automate your payments. Missed or late payments can have a huge impact on your credit score. Consider automating your monthly bill payments — utilities, mobile phone, student loans — all of these impact your credit score.
• Use less than 30% of your available credit. Keeping your credit utilization low can have a positive impact on your credit score.
• Check your credit report for inaccuracies. Sometimes lenders get it wrong, which means there could be inaccuracies in your credit report. You can dispute these inaccuracies and have them corrected.
• Keep old accounts open. If you have old accounts you’ve paid off, consider leaving them open. The longer your credit history, the better. Keep old accounts active by using them every so often and immediately pay off what you owe. If you have to close your account, make sure you cancel your credit card the right way .

How long does it take for your credit score to change?

Credit reports are typically updated once every 30 to 90 days. Your credit score will change based on the information in your credit report. Each new piece of information added to your report has the potential to impact your credit score.

Frequently asked questions about getting a credit card with bad credit

Most unsecured credit cards require a credit score of 660 or more to qualify. But cards for those with fair, poor or no credit are available.

Credit cards that don’t require a credit check are designed for those with poor or no credit. Instead of relying on a credit check, secured and prepaid cards require a cash deposit to open an account. Unsecured credit cards for Canadian immigrants may also be available without a credit check.

About the Authors

Shannon Terrell is a lead writer and spokesperson for NerdWallet, where she writes about credit cards and personal finance. Previously, she was a writer, editor and video host for financial…

Georgia Rose is a lead writer on the international team at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent and The Associated…

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

22 Best Credit Cards in Canada for June 2024

NerdWallet Canada’s picks for the best credit cards include top contenders across numerous card categories. Compare these options to find the ideal card for you.

Interest charges don’t need to be a mystery. Use our credit card interest calculator to see how much interest you’d owe if you carry a credit card balance.

3 Best Secured Credit Cards in Canada for 2024

Canada’s best secured credit cards are easier to qualify for than traditional credit cards, helping build credit history and repair bad credit.

What Credit Score Do You Need to Get a Credit Card?

In general, a credit score of at least 660 gives you the best chance of approval, but it’s hard to know the exact score an issuer will require when you apply for a credit card.

Best Chase credit cards of June 2024

If you’re looking for great cash-back rates and valuable transferable reward points, consider our top picks for the best Chase credit cards. Chase offers a wide selection of credit cards for all customers, whether you’re looking for the easiest cash-back option or a premium travel card. Chase also makes it easy to combine rewards across multiple accounts, so holding more than one Chase card can allow you to maximize your earning strategy — especially if you’re interested in maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

With so many card options available, you’re sure to find a Chase card that fits your wallet — so check out the list below of offers from our partners compiled by our team of travel experts. 

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for overall mid-tier cards
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for business travelers
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for dining and travel insurance
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card : Best for office supplies and technology services
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Best for rotating bonus categories
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card : Best for frequent Southwest flyers
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card : Best for a lower annual fee
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card : Best for no annual fee business card

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, maximizing chase credit cards, how we rate, what is chase, how to choose the best chase credit card, ask our experts, pros + cons of chase credit cards, frequently asked questions.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else. 

• Annual $50 hotel statement credit when booked through Chase Travel
• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus, earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
• Reasonable $95 annual fee; bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners
• Primary car insurance; and perks including cellphone and purchase protection
• Extended warranty
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement
• High spending needed to get 100,000-point sign-up bonus
• No travel perks
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve .

• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners
• 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel, 10 points per dollar on dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel℠
• $300 Annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
• Steep initial $550 annual fee
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Cash is an excellent no annual fee card for small business owners. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities, as well as 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations. On top of that, the Ink Business Cash card also offers automatic credit limit increase assessments every six months — and sometimes even sooner — to suit the needs of growing businesses. Read our full review of the Chase Ink Business Cash card .

• The current sign-up bonus on this card is an impressive up to $750.
• There is no annual fee which is perfect for small business owners.
• You’ll earn 5% at office supply stores and on common monthly bills such as internet, cable and phone services. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
• 5% cash back earned on certain categories is capped at the first $25,000 you make in combined purchases each account anniversary year.
• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex delivers a formidable 5% cash back on select bonus categories and travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This card is an excellent addition to your wallet as it provides ongoing rewards, a welcoming sign-up bonus and no annual fee to worry about. Read our full  review of the Chase Freedom Flex .

• The generous sign-up bonus is impressive for a no annual fee card.
• The card features several categories that earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards and rotating quarterly bonus categories and 3% back on dining and drugstores.
• Your phone is protected against theft or damage for up to $800 per claim (up to $1,000 per year) when you pay that bill with the card.
• You must remember to activate your bonus categories quarterly or risk not earning 5x on select purchases.
• This card charges foreign transaction fees so it's best to use it within the U.S.
• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

While other airlines’ top credit cards have annual fees toppling over $500 per year, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card comes with just a $149 annual per year. If Southwest is your airline of choice, you’ll receive a number of perks every year: a $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversary. These benefits alone make up the annual fee for frequent Southwest flyers. For every $5,000 spent on this card, you’ll earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points, fast-tracking your way to A-List Status. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card .

• Travel and purchase protections through Chase.
• $75 annual Southwest travel credit.
• 7,500 points on each cardmember anniversary.
• 20% inflight discount on food, drinks and WiFi.
• Ability to earn A-List status faster by spending on this card
• $149 annual fee.
• Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 7,500 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The Southwest Plus credit card is a great starter card for those who are loyal to the carrier. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card .

• Earn 3,000 points each year after your cardmember anniversary
• Extended warranty and purchase protection
• Secondary car rental insurance and collision damage waiver.
• Baggage delay insurance
• Up to $3,000 in reimbursement for lost luggage
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel accident insurance via Visa Signature
• $69 annual fee
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• Flight redemption limited to U.S., Caribbean and Central American destinations
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited’s sign-up gives you a generous $750 cash back spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening plus unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase. It fills in rewards gaps not covered by the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. You can maximize this card by pairing it with cards including the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred. Read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card .

• No annual fee
• Flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Primary insurance for car rentals
• 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months on purchases (then a variable APR of 18.49% - 24.49% applies)
• Higher spend to receive sign-up bonus
• No conversion to Chase points without holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred
• No travel protections
• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best travel rewards credit cards available. It offers comprehensive travel protection plus elevated rewards on travel and dining purchases while maintaining a reasonable $95 annual fee. 

New travel credit card users who are looking to earn transferable rewards without committing to a high annual fee would be a great fit for the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been in my wallet for 5-plus years and is the go-to midlevel rewards credit card that I recommend to people. It usually has a pretty solid sign-up bonus, with points that can be transferred to some of my favorite loyalty programs, like British Airways Executive Club and World of Hyatt. The strong earning rates on dining and travel as well as streaming services makes it a good choice for a millennial like me. Finally, I like using this card when renting cars, as it provides primary rental car insurance and a little more peace of mind.” —  Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

Transferable points are often considered the golden currency in the travel reward world, but if you find that you prefer American Express travel partners, the American Express® Green Card offers a comparatively low annual fee while still allowing you to earn on travel, restaurants and more.

The information for the American Express Green 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. 

You get tons of perks for a $95 annual fee. Instead of having to spend $15,000 to qualify for the 100,000 bonus points offer, new cardholders can qualify for the bonus points by spending $8,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Although this is primarily a business card, it’s also a great travel card as well. Frequent flyers who book trips through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards can maximize the value of their earned points when booking travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal. The best part? The cash back you earn doesn’t expire as long as your account remains open.

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

The Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a good option if you want to avoid paying an annual fee and want to earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 you spend at office supply stores, on internet, cable and your phone bill, 2% cash back on the first $25,000 you spend at gas stations and restaurants plus an unlimited 1% cash back on every other purchase you make.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel card with matching benefits. The card offers an elevated earning rate on many bonus categories, includes premium lounge access and features a  $300 annual travel credit . For just about any traveler, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a solid pick.

Frequent flyers will find the Chase Sapphire Reserve to be a great addition to their wallet, thanks to its travel perks and benefits. 

“The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a no-brainer for me. My top two spending categories are travel and dining, and this card lets me earn 3 points per dollar in both of these categories. Then, I can transfer these points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners or redeem them for a generous 1.5 cents apiece through the Chase travel portal or Pay Yourself Back program. The card has a high annual fee, but I don't mind paying it thanks to perks like a $300 travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access and impressive travel protections.” —  Benji Stawski , former senior reporter

If you’re looking for a more luxury-focused travel card, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express instead. The Amex Platinum comes with more benefits, travel credits and lounge access — as well as a higher annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ). 

The Ink Business Cash offers a great introductory offer, no annual fee and multiple elevated reward rates. In addition, you can increase the value of your rewards by transferring rewards to an eligible Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points.

New business owners who are looking to separate their business and personal expenses while earning rewards on a card with no annual fee should consider the Ink Business Cash card. 

The Ink Business Cash card offers elevated cash-back rates on regular business categories and a solid sign-up offer, all with no annual fee. When combined with a higher-end Ultimate Rewards card, the Ink Business Cash is a no-brainer for any small-business owner looking to maximize their rewards earning.

If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee business card but have varied spending habits, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card . That card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all spending and features a similar introductory bonus.

The Chase Freedom Flex makes cash-back earning easier than ever. You can earn elevated cash back on dining and travel, but every quarter, the Freedom Flex also earns 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases at a rotating selection of merchants (after activation). 

The Chase Freedom Flex is a great addition to any beginner’s wallet since it has no annual fee and offers a large spectrum of elevated cash-back categories.  

“I love when a cash-back card is more than a cash-back card, and that's definitely the case with the Chase Freedom Flex. I can effectively convert the cash-back rewards on this card into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points, since I also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve — opening up fantastic redemptions like luxury World of Hyatt properties and top-notch premium airplane cabins.” —  Nick Ewen , director of content 

If you know your spending habits do not align with the quarterly bonus categories offered by the Chase Freedom Flex, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® instead. You will still earn the same elevated rate on travel and dining but you get 1.5% cash back on all other purchases instead of 1%. 

The Southwest Priority card is a great card for Southwest loyalists who can maximize the card’s perks and benefits. Some notable features include an annual bonus of 7,500 Rapid Rewards points (valued around $98, according to TPG’s valuations ), a $75 annual Southwest travel credit and four upgraded boardings per year. 

Southwest loyalists can easily justify the Priority’s annual fee with the anniversary point bonus, travel credit and other perks. 

Any Southwest loyalist should add the Priority card to their travel wallet, as the perks and benefits easily pay for the annual fee every year. 

If you still want a Southwest card but find that you don’t need all of the perks on the Priority, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card , which offers similar perks with a lower fee. 

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card is a great starter card for Southwest travelers thanks to its low annual fee. In addition to earning bonus points on Southwest purchases, the card comes with two EarlyBird check-ins annually and bonus points for each account anniversary.

If you’re a casual Southwest flyer (at least once a year), you’ll likely benefit from the perks on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card. 

For beginner travelers who occasionally fly Southwest, adding the Southwest Plus card can be a great way to expand your travel card collection. 

If you’re looking for more benefits from your Southwest credit card, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card which features a higher annual bonus upon card renewal and additional benefits when flying the carrier. 

There is no easier cash-back business card than the Ink Business Unlimited, as you’ll earn 1.5% back on all purchases. In addition, it features a generous introductory annual percentage rate period and primary insurance on business-related car rentals — all for no annual fee. 

Small-business owners who want a simple business card will benefit from the Ink Business Unlimited’s flat reward rate.

“I have the Chase Ink Business trilogy — the Ink Business Cash Credit Card, Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited cards. The first two cards maximize my points-earning on things like office supply, internet and phone purchases, whilst the Ink Unlimited covers everything else, with a flat 1.5% earning rate. The fact that I have the Ink Preferred means I can convert my cash back from the Ink Unlimited into more valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This no-annual-fee card will stay in my wallet for years to come.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

If your business has more specialized purchases that align with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card , it can be a better fit, as the bonus categories have higher earning rates than the Ink Business Unlimited’s flat 1.5%. 

Decide the type of rewards you want to earn

Chase offers a wide range of credit cards — including ones that earn the issuer’s own Ultimate Rewards points as well as cobranded products with partners like United and Marriott . You could even opt for a top cash-back card if you don’t want to mess with travel rewards. Before you apply for a Chase credit card, consider what type of rewards are most useful for you. Many travelers will benefit from the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards, though everyone’s situation is different.

Earn the welcome bonus

Once you’ve pulled the trigger on applying for a new card, it’s critical to ensure you hit the minimum spending requirements to earn the welcome bonus. Most Chase credit cards give you at least three months to do so, but it’s critical to plan your spending accordingly. In some cases, the bonus can get you over $1,000 worth of rewards, so missing out on it can be a major setback for your travel planning.

Add new cards to maximize your earning potential

Getting a top Chase credit card can unlock valuable rewards, but if you really want to take your card strategy to the next level, consider adding more than one to your wallet. While managing multiple credit cards takes added effort, it can also expand the number of points or miles you can take home. You can use one card to earn bonus points on travel and dining, for example, and then another card can give you extra rewards at drugstores. In fact, Chase cards feature prominently in our guide to the best credit card pairings .

Chase, also known as JPMorgan Chase Bank, is a large American national bank. It offers a large variety of banking and investment products for both consumers and small businesses — including a wide range of credit cards. 

Types of Chase credit cards

Chase offers a large selection of credit card products. Some notable types are defined below.

Travel credit cards are typically tailored to travelers, offering more rewards on travel purchases and providing additional protection and value-added perks. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers an annual $300 travel credit, which can help lower the out-of-pocket cost of your trips. In addition, it offers extensive travel protection when things go wrong, along with lounge access — both perks that can make your next trip a simpler process. 

Cash-back credit cards earn a percentage of cash back on each purchase you make. Some — like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card — offer a simple, flat cash-back rate on all purchases. This could be a great fit for someone who is looking for a straightforward earning structure without needing to worry about maximizing bonus categories.

Other cards — like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ — feature bonus categories which help those who have more tailored spending habits get the most return on their spending.

But the best part about Chase is that you can effectively convert your cash-back rewards into fully transferable (and more flexible) Ultimate Rewards points, simply by having a higher-end Chase card.

A “starter” credit card typically refers to a simple product that’s relatively easy to get. Generally these don’t impose an annual fee, and they offer basic cash back so as not to overwhelm a new entrant into the world of credit cards.

One such card would be the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, as it earns an unlimited 1.5% back on all purchases plus an elevated rate on travel and dining, two big expense categories for many people. With no annual fee, even the newest credit card user can find many benefits with the Freedom Unlimited. 

Business credit cards typically offer business-focused perks and elevated earning rates on business spending. These cards are a great way to keep your business expenses separated from your personal expenses and earn on what you are already spending. Chase offers multiple business products under the Ink family of credit cards .

Business owners will have to look over their spending and see which card will help them earn the most on their current expenses.

Finally, cobranded credit cards are issued by a bank in partnership with another organization. The cards typically feature brand-specific rewards and benefits, most frequently with travel companies. For example, Chase issues cobranded cards with United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

However, it can also partner with a lifestyle brand — as it’s done with the Instacart Mastercard®  and DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® .

How to apply for a Chase credit card

You can apply for a Chase credit card online, by mail or in person at a Chase bank. You'll need some basic information like your social security number and gross annual income. Here's what else you should know before you submit an application.

The Chase 5/24 rule is infamous in the credit card world. While Chase has never publicly published this policy, data has proven that it almost always applies.

In short, Chase will not approve new applicants who have opened five or more personal credit cards within the last 24 months. This applies to all bank cards, not just Chase cards. You generally have to be under this number to be approved for a new Chase credit card. You can learn more with our full guide to the Chase 5/24 rule .

Chase's 48-month rule states that you're ineligible to earn a bonus on a Chase card if you're a current cardholder of that specific card or if you have already earned a sign-up bonus on a specific card you've had within the last 48 months.

Chase credit card benefits

Chase credit cards come with many benefits and perks. Some notable benefits are highlighted below.

Many Chase cards fit into the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem . However, only three that are available to new applicants earn Ultimate Rewards points: the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. These Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to a number of airline and hotel partners but can also be used to book travel directly, making them incredibly valuable when it comes to redemption.

Luckily, if you have one of these products, you can combine your cash-back rewards with your Ultimate Rewards points in a single account — allowing you to maximize your earning. 

Chase is known for some of the best welcome bonuses in the card industry. You can see the current welcome bonus on the card tiles above — and you can refer to our guide with historical offers to see how the current ones measure up.

Travel and shopping protections can be some of the most underrated perks offered by credit card companies. You hope you won’t need to use them, but they can save the day when things go wrong.

One of Chase’s most notable benefits is primary rental car coverage, available on many popular products like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. When you charge a rental car to an eligible card, you’re covered for theft, loss or damage to the vehicle, without needing to invoke your personal insurance. 

Related: Best credit cards with travel insurance

One of the most notable features of Chase cards is their pairability, thus maximizing the reward potential for your wallet. It is worth considering adding multiple Chase cards to your wallet to get the best return on your spending.

There are multiple strategies for pairing Chase cards, but one of the most popular is commonly known as the Chase Trifecta — the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited®. However, the best combination of cards should be tailored to your spending and specific reward needs.

That being said, you’ll almost certainly want to feature the Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred in your strategy to ensure you’re earning fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points. Then, select the cash-back Chase cards that best match your spending habits.

Related: How (and why) to combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards points into a single account

Redeeming your Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most valuable transferable rewards currencies out there. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, but you have the potential to redeem them at a higher rate for the right travel redemption. 

In many cases, the best way to use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points is by transferring them to Chase’s travel partners . Popular programs that can unlock luxury travel experiences include World of Hyatt, Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus. However, if you don’t want to mess with another loyalty program, using your Ultimate Rewards points directly with Chase Travel can still offer a solid value .

For an in-depth look at how to maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, check out our complete guide . 

What TPG readers have to say about their favorite Chase credit cards

We asked TPG readers to share their opinions on their favorite Chase credit cards. From generous travel perks to flexible redemption options, these are the top Chase credit cards, according to our readers.  

Note: Responses have not been edited.

“The $300 travel credit per calendar year (got the card in October and traveled the following year so used the credit twice for this trip) got me free flights and hotels from SFO to HKG, SIN, PKT, PVG. All hotels were on points or booked with travel credits from mine plus significant others [sic] new card.” — Katelyn M via Facebook

“ Chase Sapphire Preferred extends its trip insurance to family members other than spouse and kids. Includes parents, grandkids etc…” — Elaine C via Facebook

Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card 

“No annual fee, high approval limit, great sign up bonus ! The list of value can go on and on!” — Dean M via X

• 1 Sign-up bonus Choose a card that aligns with your financial goals — if you’re saving for a big vacation, applying for a card with a generous sign-up bonus may help cover some of the travel costs for that trip.
• 2 Annual fee Whether your preference is a card with no annual fee or a premium card with a high annual fee, choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
• 3 Bonus categories Choose the card that earns rewards in your most frequently used bonus categories like groceries, gas and streaming subscriptions.

What's your favorite Chase card — and why?

• Using Chase credit cards responsibly can help you build your credit score.
• Chase credit cards can earn points, miles or cash back on every dollar you spend.
• Some Chase credit cards provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
• Select Chase credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, lounge access and more.
• Chase credit cards can encourage overspending.
• Carrying a balance and using your Chase card irresponsibly can damage your credit score.
• The cost of borrowing on Chase credit cards is higher than traditional loans.
• Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score.
• Chase has some of the most stringent application restrictions of any issuer.

There’s no single Chase credit card that’s best for everyone. Instead, it will depend on your spending habits and what rewards you are looking for. Luckily, Chase cards are easy to pair and maximize, so you can consider adding multiple cards to your wallet.

To apply for any Chase card on this list, you can click on the card’s name, photo or “Apply Now” link to the right of the card. Then, simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete (and submit) your application.

Chase doesn’t have an official limit on the number of Chase cards one person can have. In fact, many TPG staffers have had several Chase credit cards at the same time. However, Chase does limit the amount of total credit it will extend to you. It also has the 5/24 rule (more on that below). Finally, as a general rule of thumb, you can only be approved for one personal card and one business card within 90 days — but even that’s not a hard-and-fast rule.

There are also different application rules for specific Chase cards. You can only hold one Sapphire card at a time. You can only have a single personal Southwest credit card; however, you can hold both a Southwest business card and personal card, which is a great way to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.

For more details on Chase’s application rules, read our guide to credit card application restrictions .

That being said, having a score of at least 700 will give you the best chances of being approved for the top Chase credit cards. Of course, it’s possible to be approved with a slightly lower score; it’s just not as likely.

To cancel a Chase credit card, you’ll need to call the number on the back of your card. A phone agent can help you complete the cancellation process. However, be sure to use (or transfer) all of your rewards first, since you may forfeit them after canceling (or shortly thereafter). Pay off any outstanding balances, and be sure to update your account with any merchants that automatically bill the card you’re closing.

Just note that canceling a credit card should not be taken lightly, as it can affect your credit score. You can check out our guide to how to cancel a credit card to help you determine if you should go this route.

Chase does not publish an official score for approval, but our data suggests that a score of at least 670 will increase your chances of getting approved. In addition, rewards credit cards generally require a higher credit score for approval, typically 720-plus.

Having a score of at least 700 will give you the best chances of being approved for the top Chase credit cards. Of course, it’s possible to be approved with a slightly lower score; it’s just not as likely.

Related: How to check your credit score for absolutely free