Best Credit Cards for Traveling: Maximize Your Rewards and Minimize Your Expenses

Traveling the world can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are a number of credit cards that can help you maximize your rewards and minimize your expenses while you’re on the road. In this guide, we’ll explore the best credit cards for traveling, covering everything from earning miles and points to getting travel insurance and airport lounge access.

What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card

Before diving into specific card recommendations, let’s first discuss the key features to look for in a travel credit card:

• Reward Earning Potential: Look for cards that offer generous rewards, such as miles, points, or cash back, on travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
• Bonus Categories: Many travel credit cards offer bonus rewards on specific spending categories, such as dining, groceries, or streaming services. This can be a great way to earn extra rewards on your everyday spending.
• Transfer Partners: If you prefer to redeem your rewards for travel, make sure the card offers transfer partners that align with your travel goals. For example, if you want to fly with a specific airline, choose a card that transfers points to that airline’s loyalty program.
• Travel Insurance: Many travel credit cards provide valuable insurance coverage, including trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage insurance, and travel medical insurance. This can help protect you against unexpected costs while traveling.
• Airport Lounge Access: Some cards offer access to airport lounges, which can provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of air travel. Lounge access can include amenities such as complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and showers.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: When traveling abroad, you’ll want to choose a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, which can significantly increase your spending.
• Annual Fee: Some travel credit cards come with an annual fee, while others are free. Consider the card’s benefits and weigh them against the annual fee to see if it’s worth the cost.

Best Travel Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers

If you’re a frequent flyer who prioritizes earning miles and points for flights, these credit cards are worth considering:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• Rewards: 2x points on travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Bonus Categories: None.
• Transfer Partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards program, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, and more.
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption, travel and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, and more.
• Airport Lounge Access: None (but you can access Priority Pass Lounges through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program).
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
• Annual Fee: $95.

2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Rewards: 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.
• Bonus Categories: None.
• Transfer Partners: Capital One Travel Portal, allowing you to redeem miles for flights, hotels, and other travel experiences.
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption, travel and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, and more.
• Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass Select Membership (includes access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide).
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
• Annual Fee: $395.

3. The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Rewards: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Bonus Categories: None.
• Transfer Partners: American Express Membership Rewards program, including Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, and more.
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption, travel and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, and more.
• Airport Lounge Access: Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select Membership, and access to over 1,000 airport lounges through the Global Lounge Collection.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
• Annual Fee: $695.

Best Travel Credit Cards for Hotel Stays

If you’re a frequent traveler who prioritizes earning rewards for hotel stays, consider these credit cards:

1. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card

• Rewards: 6x points on Marriott purchases, 2x points on dining, flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Bonus Categories: None.
• Transfer Partners: American Express Membership Rewards program, including Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, and more.
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption, travel and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, and more.
• Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass Select Membership (includes access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide).
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
• Annual Fee: $450.

2. IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

• Rewards: 14x points on IHG purchases, 2x points on gas stations, restaurants, and airlines, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Bonus Categories: None.
• Transfer Partners: None.
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption, travel and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, and more.
• Airport Lounge Access: None.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
• Annual Fee: $89.

3. World of Hyatt Credit Card

• Rewards: 5x points on Hyatt purchases, 2x points on dining, flights booked directly with airlines or on hyatt.com, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Bonus Categories: None.
• Transfer Partners: World of Hyatt program, allowing you to transfer points to other loyalty programs, including British Airways Executive Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption, travel and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, and more.
• Airport Lounge Access: None.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
• Annual Fee: $95.

Best Travel Credit Cards for Overall Value

If you’re looking for a credit card that offers a good balance of rewards, benefits, and value, these are some great options:

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Rewards: 3x points on travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Bonus Categories: None.
• Transfer Partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards program, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, and more.
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption, travel and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, and more.
• Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass Select Membership (includes access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide).
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
• Annual Fee: $550.

2. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

• Rewards: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
• Bonus Categories: None.
• Transfer Partners: American Express Membership Rewards program, including Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, and more.
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption, travel and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, and more.
• Airport Lounge Access: Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select Membership, and access to over 1,000 airport lounges through the Global Lounge Collection.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
• Annual Fee: $695.

3. Barclaycard Arrival+® World Elite Mastercard®

• Rewards: 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.
• Bonus Categories: None.
• Transfer Partners: None.
• Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation/interruption, travel and baggage delay, emergency evacuation, and more.
• Airport Lounge Access: None.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
• Annual Fee: $89.

Tips for Maximizing Your Travel Rewards

Once you’ve chosen a travel credit card, here are some tips for maximizing your rewards:

• Pay Your Balance in Full and on Time: Avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full each month. This is crucial to maximizing your rewards and preventing the accumulation of debt.
• Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases: Don’t just limit your card usage to travel purchases. Using your card for everyday expenses can help you earn rewards faster.
• Take Advantage of Bonus Categories: If your card offers bonus rewards on certain spending categories, try to maximize your spending in those areas.
• Consider Transferring Points: If you prefer to redeem your rewards for travel, explore the card’s transfer partners to see if they align with your travel goals.
• Check for Special Promotions: Many credit card issuers offer limited-time promotions, such as bonus points or travel credits, so keep an eye out for these opportunities.

Conclusion

Choosing the right travel credit card can make a significant difference in your travel experience. By considering factors such as reward earning potential, travel insurance, airport lounge access, and annual fees, you can find a card that aligns with your travel needs and budget. Remember to use your card responsibly and take advantage of all the benefits it offers to maximize your rewards and minimize your travel expenses.