With such a wide range of credit cards, finding the right card to use when traveling can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a travel card for business, poor credit, good credit, or extra luxury perks, our complete guide has you covered. We’ve looked into all the travel cards on the market, and have compiled a list of our top picks for each specific need you may have. Our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect travel credit card to match your needs. Discover the best travel credit card for your goals to make your journeys more rewarding.
Table of Contents
Our Favorite Cards at a Glance
| Card | Bonus | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months | 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases | $95 | Learn More |
 The Platinum Card® from American Express |
100,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months | 5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel | $695 | Learn More |
 Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card |
100,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months | 3x points on travel and select business categories | $95 | Learn More |
 Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card |
25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days | 1.5x points on all purchases | $0 | Learn More |
 Citi Prestige® Card |
50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months | 5x points on air travel and dining, 3x points on hotels and cruise lines | $495 | Learn More |
 Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card |
None | 1.5% cash back on all purchases | $39 | Learn More |
 Discover it® Secured Credit Card |
Cashback match at the end of your first year | 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, 1% on all other purchases | $0 | Learn More |
Our Top Pick: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards Rate: 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases
Annual Fee: $95
Learn MoreThe Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our top pick because of its value and versatility. Our favorite parts of this card are the ability to earn double points on travel and dining, as well as a generous sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and the ability to transfer points to a range of travel partners easily. With plenty of straightforward perks, this is a great choice for most travelers.
Best for Luxury Perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
- Rewards Rate: 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels
- Annual Fee: $695
- Exclusive Perks: Access to Centurion Lounges, $200 airline fee credit
If you’re looking for luxury perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a great option. This card offers access to exclusive airport lounges, elite status with various hotel and car rental programs, and comprehensive travel insurance. Annual travel credits and 5X points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel are another notable bonus if you’re looking for premium perks from your travel credit card.
Best for Business: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Bonus: 100,000 after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months
- Rewards Rate: 3x points on travel and select business categories
- Annual Fee: $95
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
Chase’s Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is our top choice for business travelers. With 3X points on travel and select business categories, high points earning potential, cell phone insurance, purchase protection, and a valuable sign-up bonus, this card serves as a great option for business.
Best No Annual Fee Travel Card: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Rewards Rate: 1.5x points on every purchase
- Annual Fee: $0
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a card with no annual fee. This card offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, redeemable for travel expenses. It also includes no foreign transaction fees, making it a cost-effective choice if you’re going to be traveling internationally. This card is perfect for occasional travelers or those new to travel credit cards.
Best Premium Travel Card: Citi Prestige® Card
Citi Prestige® Card
- Bonus: 50,000 after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Rewards Rate: 5x points on dining and air travel, 3x points on hotels and cruise lines
- Annual Fee: $495
- Exclusive Perks: Complimentary 4th night at hotels
The Citi Prestige® Card is our choice for premium travel benefits. It offers 5X points on air travel and dining, 3X points on hotels and cruise lines, and a host of elite travel perks, including an annual $250 travel credit and a complimentary fourth-night hotel stay. Access to Priority Pass lounges and comprehensive travel protections are also perks that cardholders can enjoy. Its premium rewards structure and extensive benefits make it an excellent option for frequent high-end travelers.
Best for Fair Credit: Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Cash Back: 1.5% on every purchase
- Credit Line Increase: After making first 5 monthly payments on time
- Fraud Coverage: If your card is lost or stolen
- Annual Fee: $39
The Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card is perfect for people with fair credit who want to earn rewards while building their credit profile. It offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, without any rotating categories or spending limits. You can also access higher credit limits after making your first five monthly payments on time, making it a practical and rewarding choice for those improving credit.
Best for Bad Credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Cash Back: 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter)
- Other Purchases: 1% cash back
- Annual Fee: $0
- Automatic Reviews: Starting at 7 months to transition to unsecured card
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an outstanding option for those working to rebuild their credit. It requires a refundable security deposit and offers cash-back rewards, including 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants and 1% on all other purchases. Additionally, Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year. With no annual fee and free access to your FICO® score, this card provides valuable tools and incentives for improving your credit health.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re aiming to earn free flights, enjoy luxury hotel stays, or breeze through airport security, these cards offer a range of benefits for every need. Remember, the right travel card can not only improve your travel experience but also save you money along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What factors should I consider when choosing a travel credit card?
When selecting a travel credit card, consider factors such as annual fees, rewards structure, foreign transaction fees, and additional travel benefits like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services. It’s important to choose a card that aligns with your travel habits and spending patterns to maximize the benefits.
Can I use my travel rewards for any airline or hotel?
Many travel credit cards offer flexible rewards that can be redeemed across multiple airlines and hotel chains. However, some cards are co-branded with specific airlines or hotels and may offer more value when used with those partners. Always check the card’s rewards program and redemption options to ensure they meet your travel needs.
Are there travel credit cards with no annual fees?
Yes, several travel credit cards come with no annual fees while still offering valuable rewards and benefits. These cards are great for occasional travelers or those who want to avoid additional costs. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent example, providing rewards without an annual fee.
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