Best travel credit cards of April 2024
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BLUEPRINT
Updated 4:54 a.m. UTC April 1, 2024
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The best credit cards for travel set themselves apart from other credit cards by offering an array of benefits that make it easier and more rewarding to explore the world. These travel credit card offerings provide generous rewards and perks tailored to the needs of those on the go.
We analyzed a broad swath of credit cards in this category, from a variety of issuers, to curate a list of the very best travel credit cards for 2024. Here are our selections.
Best travel credit cards
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best travel card for premium airline perks.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best travel credit card for boosted redemption value.
- Bilt World Elite Mastercard®: Best travel credit card for renters.
- Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best travel credit card for commuters.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*: Best credit card for travel.
- United℠ Explorer Card *: Best low-cost travel credit credit card for airline benefits.
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card *: Best low-cost travel credit card for hotels.
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card *: Best travel credit card for elite hotel status.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card *: Best travel card credit for road warriors.
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
Why trust our credit card experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 85+ cards analyzed.
- 8 data points considered.
- 5-step fact-checking process.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best travel card for premium airline perks
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Best travel credit card for boosted redemption value
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best travel credit card for renters
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
Best travel credit card with a low annual fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best travel credit card for commuters
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Best credit card for travel
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
*The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best low-cost travel credit credit card for airline benefits
United℠ Explorer Card
*The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best low-cost travel credit card for hotels
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
*The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best travel credit card for elite hotel status
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
*The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
Best travel card credit for road warriors
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
*The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Compare the best credit cards for travel
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
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Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.
Earn 100,000 bonus points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
Why this card made the list
The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) offers the most widespread lounge access benefits of any card on the market. While the high price point may be prohibitive for some, consider that the card offers more than a $1,000 value in potential statement credits. Among its most notable are up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, an up to $200 airline incidental fee statement credit per calendar year (applicable to one qualifying airline of your choice) and an up to $240 digital entertainment statement credit that can be used toward certain streaming services. Enrollment is required to enjoy these benefits.
- Annual fee: $695.
- Rewards: Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
- Foreign transaction fee: None.
Why this card made the list
The Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s $550 annual fee can be offset by an up to $300 annual travel credit, access to airport lounges via Chase Sapphire Lounges and the Priority Pass Select network (enrollment required), food delivery service memberships, 1:1 points transfer to a long list of airline and hotel loyalty program partners and generous protections for travel, car rentals and purchases.
In addition to a slew of benefits, the Chase Ultimate Rewards® points earned on this card can be redeemed at a 50% increase in value when used to book travel through Chase Travel. So for example, 100,000 points on this card can be redeemed for $1,500 worth of travel booked through the issuer, helping you stretch the value of your rewards even further.
- Annual fee: $550 plus $75 per authorized user.
- Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fee: $0.
Here’s how two of the top cards compare to each other. Capital One Venture X vs. the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Why this card made the list
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is one-of-a-kind in that it allows cardholders to earn rewards on paying rent, without any additional transaction fees. Add in more than a dozen airline and hotel transfer partners, a long list of travel protections and other perks and this no-annual-fee card is one of the best travel cards on the market. You can even save up your Bilt Rewards toward a future down payment on a home.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: 1 point per $1 on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each year), 2 points per $1 on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), 3 points per $1 on dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. At least five transactions must be made per statement period to earn these rewards.
- Welcome bonus: None.
- Foreign currency conversion fee: None.
Why this card made the list
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers generous rewards on travel and dining and a straightforward redemption program. It’s an excellent choice for both frequent and aspiring travelers looking to maximize their everyday spending.
Card perks include an annual bonus point award equal to 10% of total purchases made in the past year, the ability to transfer points 1:1 to Chase’s travel loyalty partners and a long list of travel and purchase protections including primary auto rental coverage. Plus, rewards on this card are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠. You’d be hard-pressed to find another travel card that packs more punch in an affordable package.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fee: $0.
Why this card made the list
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has a wide range of high reward categories and those earnings can be redeemed as a statement credit, used to book travel or redeemed for gift cards with multiple merchants.
The card also comes with cellphone protection and some travel and purchase protections. While it doesn’t offer the travel benefits of a premium travel rewards credit card, there are no foreign currency conversion fees and, as a Visa Signature® card, it comes with access to the benefits and perks of the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fee: None.
The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers great value with its lineup of travel credits, including a $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel, Capital One’s online travel agency. Among its many benefits, the card offers airport lounge access, cellphone protection¹ and the ability to transfer miles to airline and hotel partners. The rewards earned on this card don’t expire and bookings made with Capital One aren’t subject to blackout dates. Card ownership also comes with Hertz President’s Circle status².
- Annual fee: $395.
- Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fee: None.
The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a jumbo jet’s worth of United Airlines benefits including a free first checked bag perk, priority boarding on United-operated flights and 25% back as a statement credit on United in-flight purchases. The card also reimburses application fees up to $100 for either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every four years and offers a one-year complimentary DashPass membership. United fans who don’t want to pay for the pricier cards in the United card lineup should consider this card, as the benefits can outweigh the cost of the annual fee.
- Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on dining including eligible delivery services, hotel stays and United purchases and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- Foreign transaction fee: $0.
The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The World of Hyatt Credit Card * The information for the The World of Hyatt Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. stands out among cobranded hotel cards for its earning power and access to ongoing brand benefits at a fairly low cost. Hyatt’s rewards program often provides better redemption values than other hotel reward programs, allowing you to maximize your points potential. The card also offers a free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort after every cardmember anniversary. This perk alone can be worth much more than the annual fee.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Rewards: Earn 9 points total per $1 at Hyatt — 4 points at Hyatt hotels and 5 base points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2 points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus up to 30,000 points by earning 2 points per $1 total on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening (then 1 point).
- Foreign transaction fee: $0.
The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) is the only cobranded hotel card on the market that confers the highest elite status with card ownership. You won’t have to stay a single night to get the Hilton Honors Diamond status that comes with card ownership, but when you do, that status will give you access to room upgrades where available and a daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region), among other perks like resort credits and airfare statement credits, plus an annual free night award each year of card membership.
- Annual fee: $550.
- Rewards: Earn 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.
- Foreign transaction fee: None.
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why this card made the list
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card * The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a rewards structure tailor-made for those frequently on the road or visiting small towns, offering high rewards on Wyndham-branded hotels and filling up at the gas pump. The card offers complimentary Platinum status, which is the second highest tier in the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. This status level grants flexible check-in and check-out times and preferred room choice. Plus, the card also comes with an intro offer for those interested in owning a Wyndham timeshare.
- Annual fee: $75.
- Rewards: 6 points per $1 on Hotels By Wyndham and gas purchases, 4 points per $1 on restaurants and grocery purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
- Welcome bonus: 100,000 points, enough for up to 13 free nights at participating properties, after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Free nights can require up to 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
- Foreign transaction fee: 0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of travel credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We factored the following into our analysis:
- Annual fees.
- Travel reward rates.
- Value of rewards.
- Redemption options.
- Additional benefits that a card may offer for travelers, such as travel insurance.
How do travel credit cards work?
A travel credit card is typically a card that earns points or miles on your spending, and those rewards are usually worth the most when redeemed for travel. Generally, there are two types of travel rewards cards: Ones that earn a specific currency tied to a brand, like Delta SkyMiles or Hilton Honors points and cards that earn “flexible” rewards that can be used to book travel across several hotels and airlines.
Many travel credit cards also come with perks for travelers, like a free checked bag for your flight, a free annual hotel night or a credit towards the application fee for a trusted traveler program like Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
“Travel rewards cards are a great way to leverage personal and business card use and turn it into free airline tickets and hotel rooms. Be sure to choose a card that has rewards that are applicable to your preferred airline and hotel brands”, says John Ulzheimer, owner of The Ulzheimer Group and nationally recognized credit expert.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or are just looking for an occasional getaway, there’s likely a travel rewards card out there that can help you maximize your savings.
How to travel for cheaper with travel cards in 2024
New year, new travel possibilities. What’s more, it’s entirely possible to travel for cheaper by maximizing your credit card strategy with the right travel cards in hand. There are droves of rewards cards to choose from, so it can be hard to choose the right one for you.
Travel credit cards earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars and more, helping you subsidize the cost of your trip expenses. Beyond earning rewards, some cards even come with airport lounge access or credits to offset your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
For many travelers, a one-punch solution is the best fit. We’re talking about general travel credit cards, which earn rewards through a bank like American Express, Capital One, Chase, or Citi and don’t tie you to a specific airline or hotel program. Instead, the cardholder has the choice to redeem their earnings how they please toward any travel purchase.
Best places to travel with rewards in 2024
Portugal
While a European summer vacation never goes out of style, traveling during the shoulder season is the true winner. With fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations and pleasant weather, a spring break trip to Portugal next year should be on your list.
If you’ve got travel rewards cards from American Express, Bilt, Capital One, Chase or Citi, you can transfer your points or miles over to the Air Canada Aeroplan program. You can book a nonstop, business class flight from Miami (MIA) to Lisbon (LIS) in March for just 70,000 miles one way.
Costa Rica
There’s so much to love about Costa Rica, from its lush jungles to the natural wildlife. Plus, this Central American country is quite accessible from many states in the U.S. With two main international airports — Liberia (LIR) and San José (SJO), the toughest decision you’ll need to make is which part of Costa Rica to visit.
Many major U.S. airlines fly to Costa Rica, so redeeming your rewards for a flight shouldn’t be too difficult depending on where your loyalty lies. For example, United Airlines offers a flight from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Liberia (LIR) with a layover in Houston (IAH). You’ll pay just 20,000 MileagePlus miles one-way — even during the peak winter season.
Hawaii
One of the best ways to fly the whole family to Hawaii is by setting your sights on the British Airways Avios program. Earning points is a breeze: You can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards®, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Citi ThankYou® Points or Capital One Miles to this program at a simple 1:1 ratio.
Because British Airways is part of the Oneworld airline alliance, you can redeem your Avios for partner airlines like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Both of these carriers offer plenty of routes to the Aloha State.
Nonstop routes are priced favorably for just 13,000 Avios plus $5.60 in taxes and fees for a one way flight from the West Coast. Depending on when you’re traveling, you may also be able to find multiple award seats per flight. This is great news for big families.
Types of travel credit cards
Travel rewards credit cards can be a great way to earn more value on your next vacation or business trip. They often provide a wide range of benefits, from travel and purchase protections to airfare and hotel redemptions.
Understanding the different types of travel rewards cards is the first step to finding the right card for you. There are several major classifications:
Airline-specific cards
The best airline credit cards offer exclusive discounts and rewards when you use them with a specific airline. Many also offer free companion tickets or priority boarding benefits. Examples include: The United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the JetBlue Plus Card * The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and the Aeroplan® Credit Card * The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. .
Hotel-specific cards
These cards may give you access to exclusive discounts at certain hotel chains and resorts, as well as rewards to be redeemed for free nights or upgrades. Hotel loyalty status is a common benefit among the best hotel credit cards. Examples include: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (terms apply).
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.
Flexible points cards
These cards allow you to earn points for every dollar spent that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel bookings. Often issued by major issuers with online travel booking portals, these cards may also allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel partners, providing the most flexibility when it comes to redemptions. Examples include: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Bilt World Elite Mastercard®.
Co-branded travel cards vs. general travel cards
A co-branded travel card is one that earns specific rewards with a specific brand. For example, the United Explorer card only earns United’s MileagePlus miles and the World of Hyatt card only earns Hyatt points.
General travel cards earn rewards that can be redeemed in a variety of ways for multiple types of travel. For example, the Venture X card earns miles that can be redeemed for airfare, hotels, cruises and other types of travel.
Co-branded cards typically earn higher rewards for purchases made within the brand and general travel cards tend to earn rewards that can be redeemed for more types of travel.
How to compare and choose the best travel rewards card
When it comes to choosing the right card for your needs, there are several factors to consider:
- What type of rewards do you want to earn? Do you want points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses? Or do you prefer cash back on all your purchases? Different cards offer different types of rewards, so it’s important to pick one that best suits your needs.
- Does the card come with a good welcome bonus? Many cards offer a generous welcome bonus (sometimes called a sign-up bonus) when you make a certain amount of purchases in the first few months of receiving the card. This can be an easy way to get an infusion of rewards when you first open your account — but when calculating a card’s value, remember the welcome bonus is a one-time deal.
- Are you willing to pay the annual fee and any additional fees associated with the card? Some cards have no annual fee, while others have a high annual fee but offer more generous rewards or benefits. Make sure you understand all the fees before making a decision so that you don’t end up paying more than you’d like.
- Does it come with any additional benefits that offer value? Card perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access or exclusive discounts and offers can help make your travel smoother and your card more cost effective.
What is Priority Pass and how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know about this airport lounge network.
Evaluating if a travel credit card is right for you
Consider how you like to travel and what you’re looking to achieve with a new travel card. Before you shell out a high annual fee for a perk-laden card, consider if the benefits it comes with are ones you’d actually use. If you rarely travel and are considering saving up over a long period of time for a trip, keep in mind that rewards don’t earn interest, and in fact often lose value over time and may even expire. It’s generally best practice not to sit on your rewards for too long.
Flexible rewards vs airline or hotel credit cards
For those who travel often but don’t have a particular brand loyalty, the best travel card is likely one that earns flexible rewards on every purchase. Flexible rewards are not tied to a specific airline or hotel loyalty program but rather a card issuer’s travel agency redemption program. Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards® are two examples, but Capital One offers Miles, Citi offers ThankYou® Points and other major issuers have similar reward programs.
Airline- and hotel-specific cards offer rewards tied to a loyalty program with the airline or hotel, and typically offer better value with that carrier or brand, but not as much flexibility with redemption options. Only apply for a card like these if you’re sure the brand is the one you want.
If you only take an occasional trip, then a different type of reward card may be a better choice.
Cash-back cards offer simpler reward redemptions and the rewards earned can still be used toward future trips or redeemed for gift cards or other rewards if travel remains a priority.
Evaluating reward potential
We evaluate the reward potential of travel rewards credit cards based on what we’d expect a household in the 50th percentile of wage earners to spend each year on a credit card. We gather these figures from the government and other publicly available data.
In a year, we expect a household might make about $84,352 and spend about $25,087 of this on a credit card. Of this credit card spending, we’d expect about $2,941 to be spent on overall travel — which breaks down as $1,188 spent on airfare, $868 spent on hotels and $885 spent on all other travel. For frequent travelers carrying high-annual-fee travel rewards cards — like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , which charges an annual fee of $395 — we expect about twice this much spending in the travel categories.
The Capital One Venture X earns 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 in annual expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card. Here’s how our sample household would fare with the Capital One Venture X Card:
| SPENDING CATEGORY | SPENDING AMOUNT | MILES PER $1 | MILES EARNED |
|---|---|---|---|
Hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One
| $3,506
| 10 | 35,060
|
Airfare booked through Capital One Travel
| $2,376
| 5 | 11,880
|
Other
| $19,205
| 2 | 38,410
|
TOTAL
| $25,087
| 85,350
|
The cardholder in this example earns a grand total of 85,350 miles annually, which is worth $853.50 if used to book travel through Capital One or when eligible travel is booked elsewhere and you redeem your miles to cover the purchase.
The right travel card can net you lucrative rewards. But make sure to select a card based on your spending and travel habits — the best card for travel will differ from person to person.
Pros and cons of travel cards
Pros: Reasons to consider a travel card
- Travel rewards can be easy to earn with a credit card. Use your travel credit card to pay for everyday expenses and earn rewards you can use for travel.
- Can lower the out-of-pocket cost of travel. Whether you use your points to pay for airfare, nights at a hotel or for a rental car, redeeming your earnings for travel can significantly reduce the cost of a trip.
- Free nights, checked bags and other perks. Many cobranded credit cards come with a free night perk or waive the fees for checking luggage, both of which can save you money and may be worth more than the cost of the card itself.
- May enable you to have a travel experience you might not have had otherwise. Stories abound of people who have used their credit card rewards to take over-the-top luxury trips. Even if an overwater villa in the Maldives is not within reach or something you’re interested in, having enough points for a free flight or hotel may be enough incentive to nudge you towards taking a trip to a new city or to see family and friends in far-flung places.
Cons: Why a travel card might not make sense for you
- Top travel cards often carry ultra-high annual fees. If you end up getting a travel card with an expensive price tag, you’ll have to put in the work to maximize credits and benefits to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth from the card.
- Travel programs can be complicated. Many points-and-miles programs can be complex and take some time to understand how to get the most out of your rewards.
- Cash-back redemptions may be a poor option. Most travel cards are designed to offer the best value from using your rewards to book more travel, which may have you caught in a loop of having to spend even more money on travel. A cash-back card might be better for some, as it allows you to spend those earnings on anything you’d like, travel or otherwise.
Tips for maximizing your travel credit card
There’s several ways to get the most out of your travel credit card:
- Pay your bill on time every month and aim to pay it in full. If you carry a balance, the accumulated interest fees will likely be more than the value of any rewards earned on the card.
- Try to earn the card’s welcome bonus. Many top travel cards offer outsized welcome bonuses for new cardholders who can meet a minimum spending requirement. Earning that bonus can give you a nice boost to your rewards balance.
- Be aware of the perks your card offers. Many travel cards offer discounts or statement credits for travel-related spending, like a discount within a hotel collection, cellphone insurance or elite status within a brand. Knowing what your card comes with means you can fully maximize those benefits.
- Don’t sit on your rewards for too long. Unlike money in the bank, travel rewards do not earn interest and may actually be worth less over time. The value of your rewards is often tied to the cash price of travel and travel only tends to get more expensive year-over-year.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There’s no one “best” card that’s right for everyone. The best travel card for you will depend on a combination of factors including how often you travel, how you travel, your tolerance for annual fees and what you’re looking for in a travel card.
Generally speaking, the best travel credit cards earn bonus category rewards on airfare, hotels, car rentals and even dining. These cards typically also offer bonus points or miles when you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the account — known as a welcome bonus or welcome offer. Some will also offer perks such as travel protections, elite status in airline or hotel loyalty programs, priority boarding and airport lounge access.
The exact credit score needed for a travel rewards credit card will vary depending on the issuer and the specific card. Generally, you will need at least a good credit score, typically from 670 to 739 on the FICO Score scale — to be approved for most travel rewards cards. However, some of the more premium cards may require an excellent credit score, typically defined as a FICO Score of 740 or higher.
The most rewarding travel rewards cards, including most of the cards on this list, are not likely to offer approval to anyone without a good or better credit score. Some issuers also have rules in place preventing you from applying for a credit card, travel or otherwise, if you’ve applied for a certain number of cards within a certain period of time.
Which type of card is best for you will depend on your spending habits and your financial goals. If you’re a loyal frequent flyer at an airline, an airline rewards card might make more sense. If you spend plentifully at a specific hotel brand, you may be better suited to a hotel credit card.
If you’re not sure, or you have a wider variety of needs, a card with flexible point currencies — like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — may be a better bet.
Finally, If you’re looking for a simple way to get cash back on everyday purchases, then a cash-back credit card may be the way to go. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences — and in some cases, you might have a pattern of spending that justifies having both in your wallet.
The exact value of a point or mile earned on a travel credit card will depend on the type of point or mile and how you redeem them. In most cases you should look to get at least a penny per point of value. The reason for the variation in points value is that many airline and hotel pricing structures are dynamic and will change based on demand. The points values tend to be somewhat fixed however and this can lead to redemption values worth more – or less – than 1 cent each. Transferring rewards to airline programs when allowed and redeeming for business and first class seating can often yield greater values per point.
Travel reward credit cards earn points or miles for every dollar spent. These rewards can typically be redeemed for award travel including flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel bookings.
Some cards offer bonus points for purchases made in certain categories, such as purchases made with airlines or at grocery stores. Many cards also offer welcome bonuses for meeting certain spending requirements and provide a wide variety of travel-related protections and other benefits.
For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
¹For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
²Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
*The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, JetBlue Plus Card, The World of Hyatt Credit Card, United℠ Explorer Card and Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
