Are you tired of racking up airline miles and hotel points without any real reward? It’s time to upgrade to a travel rewards credit card that will make your travels more rewarding (literally).
First things first, what exactly is a travel rewards credit card? It’s a credit card that allows you to earn points or miles for every dollar you spend, which can then be redeemed for travel-related perks such as flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. Some cards even offer bonus points for purchases made within certain categories, like dining or groceries.
So, which travel rewards credit card is the best? It really depends on your specific travel habits and spending patterns. Do you prefer to fly with a particular airline or stay at a specific hotel chain? Do you often rent cars for your travels? Consider these factors when deciding on a card.
First up, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. This card is a favorite among travelers thanks to its generous rewards program and flexible redemption options. Cardholders earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where they’re worth 25% more. That means 50,000 points are worth $625 towards travel when redeemed through the portal.
But the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card isn’t just about earning points. It also comes with a long list of travel perks, including trip delay and baggage delay insurance, rental car insurance, and 24/7 concierge service. Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travel.
Next on our list is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. This card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and comes with a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles (worth $500 in travel) when you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months. Miles can be redeemed for statement credits towards travel purchases or transferred to over 10 travel loyalty programs.
But what sets the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card apart is its “purchase eraser” feature. Cardholders can use their miles to “erase” travel purchases from their statement, effectively getting their travel for free. And with no blackout dates or restrictions on redemption, you can use your miles to book travel whenever you want.
If you’re a fan of hotel loyalty programs, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is worth considering. This card earns 3 points per dollar spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar spent on other travel and dining purchases. You’ll also get a one-time bonus of 50,000 points (worth up to 5 free nights) when you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
But the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card isn’t just for Marriott loyalists. It also comes with a long list of travel perks, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and 24/7 concierge service. Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees and comes with a free night award every year on your account anniversary.
Finally, we have the American Express Platinum Card. This premium travel rewards credit card is a favorite among jet-setters thanks to its impressive list of travel perks and rewards program. Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel and on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. You’ll also earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel experiences through the American Express Membership Rewards program.
But the American Express Platinum Card isn’t just about earning points. It also comes with a long list of travel perks, including access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, $200 in annual Uber credits, and a $200 annual airline fee credit. Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees and offers 24/7 concierge service.
So there you have it, the best travel rewards credit cards on the market.
No matter which travel rewards credit card you choose, be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid paying interest on your purchases. With a little planning and strategic spending, you’ll be on your way to earning some enriching travel experiences. Happy travels!