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Credit Cards - Travel
Compare the top travel credit cards in the US to find the right one for your needs. Discover detailed information on annual fees, customer reviews, key features, and attractive sign-up bonuses.
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Last Updated: October 18th
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Credit cards can be a useful financial tool, but it’s important to use them responsibly. Always be mindful of interest rates, fees, and repayment terms, and avoid accumulating debt you can’t afford to repay. Make sure to understand the terms of any credit card you choose and use it wisely to avoid financial difficulties.
- Chase Saphhire Preferred Credit Card
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Signature Card
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card
- United Explorer Card
- U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Card
- United Quest Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
Features:
- Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel.
- Earn 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out.
- Earn 2x points on other travel purchases.
- Earn 3x points on select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs).
- Earn 1x point on all other purchases.
- 25% more value when points are redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Annual Fee: $95
APR: 21.49% – 28.49%
Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This equals $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is designed for frequent travelers and diners. With generous rewards on travel and dining purchases, as well as additional benefits when points are redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards, this card offers significant value. Cardholders also enjoy a range of travel protections and no foreign transaction fees, making it a strong choice for international use.
- High Reward Rates: Earn significant points on travel and dining, with additional bonuses on select categories.
- Valuable Redemption Options: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, maximizing value.
- Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and baggage delay insurance.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
- Additional Perks: Includes benefits like DashPass subscription and enhanced earnings on Lyft rides and Peloton purchases.
- Annual Fee: $95 annual fee, which may be a drawback for some users.
- High Spend Requirement for Bonus: Requires $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months to earn the sign-up bonus, which may be challenging for some.
- Complex Reward Structure: Multiple reward categories and bonus points can be confusing to manage.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Features:
- Earn 2x miles per dollar on every purchase.
- Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
- Use miles to book travel or get reimbursed for past travel purchases.
- Transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
Annual Fee: $95
APR: 19.99% – 29.99%
Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is designed for travelers seeking simplicity and value. It offers a straightforward rewards structure with 2x miles on all purchases and enhanced earnings on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The card includes travel benefits such as no foreign transaction fees and credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Additionally, cardholders can transfer miles to various travel loyalty programs, maximizing flexibility and value.
- High Reward Rates: Earn 2x miles on all purchases without category restrictions.
- Valuable Travel Credits: Receive up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® applications.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Use miles for travel bookings or reimbursements, and transfer to multiple loyalty programs.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
- Travel Protections: Includes travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and 24-hour travel assistance services.
- Annual Fee: $95 annual fee, which may not be justifiable for all users.
- High Spend Requirement for Bonus: Requires $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months to earn the sign-up bonus.
- Variable APR: 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR can be high if carrying a balance.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa Signature® Card
Features:
- Earn 5x points on hotels.
- Earn 4x points on airlines.
- Earn 3x points on restaurants and other travel.
- Earn 1x point on other purchases.
- Receive a $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Travel benefits: Trip cancellation/interruption protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, lost baggage reimbursement, and travel accident insurance.
- Cell phone protection against damage, theft, or loss.
- Roadside assistance and emergency cash disbursement.
Annual Fee: $95
APR: 20.74% – 29.74%
Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This equals $600 toward your next trip.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa Signature® Card is designed for travelers, offering high reward rates on travel and dining purchases. It includes valuable travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, and a $50 annual airline credit. Additionally, the card provides comprehensive benefits such as cell phone protection, roadside assistance, and emergency cash disbursement, making it a well-rounded choice for frequent travelers.
- High Reward Rates: Significant points on travel-related purchases.
- Valuable Travel Credits: Annual $50 statement credit for airline purchases.
- Comprehensive Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost baggage reimbursement, and more.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travel.
- Additional Benefits: Cell phone protection, roadside assistance, and emergency cash disbursement.
- Annual Fee: $95 annual fee, which may not be suitable for all users.
- High Spend Requirement for Bonus: Requires $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months to earn the sign-up bonus.
- Complex Reward Structure: Multiple reward categories and bonus points can be confusing to manage.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Features:
- Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Earn 1x points on all other purchases.
- Up to $200 airline fee credit annually.
- Up to $200 Uber Cash annually.
- Up to $100 in statement credits annually for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases.
- Access to the Global Lounge Collection with over 1,400 airport lounges.
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Annual Fee: $695
APR: 20.74% – 28.74%
Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for frequent travelers seeking luxury benefits and rewards. It offers extensive travel perks including access to a global network of airport lounges, valuable statement credits for travel and shopping, and elevated hotel status. The card also provides substantial Membership Rewards® points on travel-related purchases, making it a premium choice for those who value travel benefits and experiences.
- High Reward Rates: Earn significant points on flights and hotels, maximizing travel rewards.
- Luxury Travel Benefits: Extensive travel perks including lounge access, hotel status, and annual travel credits.
- Comprehensive Credits: Annual credits for airline fees, Uber, and Saks Fifth Avenue enhance value.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travel.
- Exclusive Access: Benefits include access to premium airport lounges and hotel elite statuses.
- High Annual Fee: $695 annual fee may be prohibitive for some users.
- High Spend Requirement for Bonus: Requires $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months to earn the sign-up bonus.
- Complex Benefits Structure: Multiple benefits and credits may require careful management to maximize value.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Features:
- Earn 2x miles per dollar on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery.
- Earn 1x mile on all other eligible purchases.
- 20% savings on in-flight purchases made with the card.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Travel benefits through Delta SkyMiles and access to exclusive offers with the card.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 20.49% – 29.49%
Offer: Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months.
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is designed for casual Delta travelers who seek to earn rewards without an annual fee. It offers accelerated miles on Delta purchases and dining, with no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid option for frequent travelers and diners. Additional savings on in-flight purchases make the card more valuable for those who often fly with Delta.
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy travel rewards without paying an annual fee.
- Miles on Delta and Dining: Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide.
- In-flight Discounts: Save 20% on Delta in-flight purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international use.
- Limited Rewards: Miles earning potential is limited primarily to Delta and dining purchases.
- No Premium Travel Benefits: Lacks some premium perks like lounge access or free checked bags offered by higher-tier Delta cards.
- Limited Bonus Miles: The sign-up bonus of 10,000 miles may be smaller compared to other travel cards.
United℠ Explorer Card
Features:
- Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.
- Earn 1x mile on all other purchases.
- Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion.
- Two United Club one-time passes annually.
- $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
APR: 21.99% – 28.99%
Offer:
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn an additional 5,000 miles after adding an authorized user in the first 3 months.
The United℠ Explorer Card is designed for frequent United Airlines travelers, offering valuable rewards on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. Cardholders benefit from free checked bags, priority boarding, and two complimentary United Club passes annually. Additional perks include a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and no foreign transaction fees. With travel protections such as trip cancellation insurance and auto rental coverage, this card is ideal for travelers seeking to enhance their United flight experience.
- Generous Rewards: Earn miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels.
- Valuable Travel Perks: Includes a free checked bag and United Club passes.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive a $100 credit every four years.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travel.
- Annual Fee: $95 after the first year.
- Bonus Restrictions: Limits on earning bonuses for previous cardholders.
- Limited Rewards Flexibility: Best suited for United frequent flyers.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Features:
- Earn 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly through the Altitude Rewards Center.
- Earn 4x points on travel and at gas stations/EV charging stations.
- Earn 2x points on dining, streaming services, and grocery stores.
- Complimentary Priority Pass™ membership with 4 annual visits.
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fees.
Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
APR: 17.74% – 28.74%
Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card offers generous rewards on travel and everyday purchases. With a strong earning rate across travel and entertainment categories, this card provides significant value, especially for frequent travelers. The card also features comprehensive travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, and benefits such as airport lounge access and TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credits.
- High Reward Rates: Earn substantial points on travel, gas, dining, and streaming services.
- Travel Perks: Complimentary Priority Pass™ visits and TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credits.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Suitable for international travel.
- Introductory Annual Fee Waiver: The $95 fee is waived in the first year.
- Annual Fee: $95 after the first year, which may be a drawback for infrequent travelers.
- Spending Limits on Rewards: Some reward categories have quarterly limits on spending for earning higher points.
- Limited Lounges Access: Only 4 free Priority Pass™ lounge visits per year, which may be insufficient for frequent flyers.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Features:
- Earn 7x points at Hilton hotels.
- Earn 5x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
- Earn 3x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Complimentary Silver status in Hilton Honors.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 20.49% – 29.49%
Offer: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great choice for travelers looking to earn Hilton Honors points on everyday purchases. With no annual fee, this card offers rewards at Hilton hotels, as well as dining, gas, and grocery purchases in the U.S. Cardholders also receive complimentary Silver status in the Hilton Honors program, with opportunities to upgrade.
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy travel rewards without the burden of annual fees.
- High Rewards on Hilton Stays: Earn 7x points on Hilton hotel purchases.
- Complimentary Silver Status: Get extra perks like free bottled water and late checkout with Hilton Honors Silver status.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Suitable for international travelers.
- Limited Rewards on Non-Hilton Purchases: Outside of Hilton stays and specific categories, rewards are lower.
- No Premium Perks: Lacks premium travel benefits like airport lounge access or complimentary breakfast.
United Quest℠ Card
Features:
- Earn 3x miles on United purchases.
- Earn 2x miles on other travel, dining, and hotel stays.
- Earn 1x mile on all other purchases.
- Up to $125 annual United purchase credit.
- Two free checked bags.
- Priority boarding and other premium travel benefits.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Annual Fee: $250
APR: 21.99% – 28.99%
Offer:
- Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user within the first 3 months.
The United Quest℠ Card is designed for frequent United Airlines travelers, offering substantial rewards on United purchases and other travel expenses. The card provides numerous travel perks, including an annual United purchase credit, free checked bags, and priority boarding. Additionally, cardholders can earn Premier qualifying points to help achieve Premier status for extra benefits like complimentary seat upgrades.
- High Reward Rates: Earn significant miles on United and other travel purchases.
- Valuable Travel Credits: Up to $125 in annual statement credits for United purchases.
- Comprehensive Travel Benefits: Free checked bags, priority boarding, and travel protections.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
- Premier Status Boost: Earn PQPs to help reach Premier status faster.
- Annual Fee: $250 annual fee, which may be high for some users.
- High Spend Requirement for Bonus: Requires $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months to earn the sign-up bonus.
- Complex Reward Structure: Multiple reward categories and benefits can be difficult to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
A travel credit card is a type of credit card that offers rewards and benefits specifically geared towards travel expenses. These can include points or miles for every dollar spent, travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.
Travel credit card points, also known as miles, are earned through spending on the card. These points can be redeemed for various travel-related expenses such as flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and sometimes even for cash back or gift cards. The value of points can vary depending on the card issuer and how you redeem them.
Travel credit cards often come with a variety of benefits, including:
- Earn points or miles on purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel insurance and trip protection
- Access to airport lounges
- Rental car insurance
- Concierge services
Many travel credit cards come with annual fees, which can range from around $50 to several hundred dollars. These fees are often offset by the value of the rewards and benefits offered by the card. Some cards also offer the first year with no annual fee as an introductory offer.
Airline miles are rewards that you can earn through spending on airline-branded credit cards, and they are typically redeemed for flights. Hotel points are earned through hotel-branded credit cards and are redeemed for hotel stays. Some general travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for both flights and hotel stays.
Yes, many travel credit cards allow you to redeem points for non-travel expenses such as cash back, gift cards, or merchandise. However, the value of points is often higher when redeemed for travel-related expenses.
To maximize your travel credit card rewards:
- Use the card for everyday purchases
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses
- Use the card for travel-related expenses to earn extra points
- Pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges
- Take advantage of special promotions and partnerships
Overview & Comparison
Here are some tips, important information, and a general overview to consider when choosing a credit card for travel.