Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards – Start Your Journey
Are you planning your next vacation and looking for ways to save money? Choosing the right credit card for travel rewards can help you do just that. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which card is best for you. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best credit cards for travel rewards.
Travel rewards credit cards offer a variety of benefits, such as earning points or miles on travel purchases, access to airport lounges, and travel insurance. By using these cards, you can earn rewards that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses. It’s a great way to make your travel dreams a reality while saving money.
In this article, I’ll be focusing on credit cards available in the United States. I’ll be highlighting the best credit cards for travel rewards, including those that offer the best rewards for airline miles and hotel stays. I’ll also discuss factors to consider when choosing a travel rewards credit card and provide tips for maximizing your rewards. So, let’s get started on your journey!
Key Takeaways:
- Choosing the right credit card for travel rewards can help save money on vacations.
- Travel rewards credit cards offer benefits like earning points or miles, access to airport lounges, and travel insurance.
- This article will focus on credit cards available in the United States and highlight the best credit cards for travel rewards, including those for airline miles and hotel stays.
- Factors to consider when choosing a travel rewards credit card include annual fees, interest rates, rewards programs, bonus offers, and flexibility in redeeming rewards.
- Maximizing your travel rewards can be done by using the card for everyday spending, taking advantage of bonus categories, and utilizing sign-up bonuses.
Why Choose a Travel Rewards Credit Card?
As someone who loves to travel, I highly recommend using a travel rewards credit card. Not only do these cards offer great perks and benefits, but they can also help you save money on your trips.
One of the biggest advantages of a travel rewards credit card is the ability to earn points or miles on your travel expenses. Many cards offer bonus points for travel-related purchases, such as airfare, hotels, and rental cars. These points can then be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, and other travel perks.
In addition to earning rewards, travel rewards credit cards often come with other travel-related perks. For example, some cards offer access to airport lounges, priority boarding, and free checked bags. Others provide travel insurance, trip cancellation protection, and other valuable benefits.
If you’re someone who travels frequently or even just a few times a year, a travel rewards credit card can be a great investment. Not only can it help you save money on your trips, but it can also enhance your overall travel experience.
Why Choose a Travel Rewards Credit Card?
| Benefits: | Examples: |
|---|---|
| Earn points or miles on travel expenses | Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards |
| Access to airport lounges | Delta SkyMiles Reserve, United Club Card |
| Travel insurance and protection | American Express Platinum, Citi Prestige |
- Earn rewards on everyday spending
- Take advantage of bonus categories
- Utilize sign-up bonuses
Overall, a travel rewards credit card is a great investment for anyone who loves to travel. By choosing a card with the right rewards program and benefits, you can save money on your trips and enhance your travel experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Rewards Credit Card
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card can be overwhelming with so many options available. To make the most of your rewards, consider the following factors when selecting a card:
- Annual fees: Some travel rewards credit cards come with annual fees, which can offset the value of rewards earned. Consider whether the benefits and rewards of the card outweigh the cost of the fee.
- Interest rates: Like any credit card, travel rewards cards come with interest rates. Make sure to understand the APR and any potential fees before applying for a card.
- Rewards programs: Different cards offer different rewards programs, such as earning points or miles on travel expenses or everyday purchases. Consider your travel habits and spending patterns to determine which rewards program is best for you.
- Bonus offers: Many travel rewards cards offer sign-up bonuses, which can provide a significant boost to your rewards earnings. Make sure to read the terms and conditions and understand any spending requirements to earn the bonus.
- Redemption options: Consider the flexibility of redemption options, such as the ability to transfer rewards to airline or hotel loyalty programs or redeem them for statement credits or travel purchases.
- Travel perks: In addition to rewards, many travel rewards credit cards offer additional perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and waived foreign transaction fees. Consider which perks are important to you and factor them into your decision.
By considering these factors, you can choose a travel rewards credit card that aligns with your travel goals and helps you save money on trips. When comparing cards, make sure to weigh the benefits against the costs to find the card that offers the best overall value.
Best Credit Cards for Airline Miles
If you frequently travel by plane, choosing the right credit card can help you earn airline miles and other rewards that can make your travels more affordable and enjoyable. Here are the best credit cards for airline miles that you should consider:
| Credit Card | Rewards Program | Annual Fee | Additional Travel Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | Chase Ultimate Rewards | $95 | Priority Pass airport lounge access, primary rental car insurance |
| Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard | American Airlines AAdvantage | $99 | Free checked bags, priority boarding, 25% off in-flight purchases |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | Delta SkyMiles | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99 | Free checked bags, priority boarding, discounted Delta Sky Club access |
These credit cards come with different annual fees, rewards programs, and additional travel perks. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, for example, offers a flexible rewards program that lets you transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners, while the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select provides specific perks for American Airlines travelers. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, on the other hand, offers a waived annual fee for the first year and discounted access to Delta Sky Club lounges.
When choosing a credit card for airline miles, consider your travel habits and preferences. If you frequently fly with a specific airline, a co-branded credit card might be the best choice. If you want more flexibility in redeeming rewards, a card with a general rewards program might be more suitable.
Regardless of which card you choose, make sure to use it for all your travel expenses to maximize your rewards and take advantage of any additional travel perks that come with it.
Best Credit Cards for Hotel Rewards
If you’re a frequent traveler who prefers staying in hotels, having a credit card that offers excellent rewards for hotel stays is a must. Here are some of the best credit cards for hotel rewards available in 2021:
| Credit Card | Hotel Rewards Program | Annual Fee | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Chase Ultimate Rewards | $95 | – 2x points on travel and dining purchases – Transfer points to partner hotel programs at a 1:1 ratio – No foreign transaction fees |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | Hilton Honors | $95 | – 12x points on Hilton purchases – Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status – Priority Pass Select membership |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card | Marriott Bonvoy | $450 | – 6x points on Marriott purchases – Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status – $300 statement credit for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels |
These credit cards offer excellent rewards for hotel stays and come with additional benefits such as complimentary elite status, lounge access, and transfer partners. Consider your travel habits and preferences to decide which card is best for you!
Best Overall Travel Rewards Credit Cards
If you’re looking for a travel rewards credit card that offers a variety of benefits, look no further. These credit cards provide some of the best rewards and perks for travelers, making them a top choice for those who want to maximize their travel experience.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: This card is a favorite among travelers for its generous rewards program. Earn 2X points on travel and dining, and 1X point on everything else. Plus, you can earn a bonus of 80,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. Redeem points for travel, cash back, or transfer to partner programs.
The Platinum Card from American Express: This premium card offers a range of luxury travel benefits, including airport lounge access, elite hotel status, and up to $200 airline fee credit per calendar year. Earn 5X points on flights and hotels booked through amextravel.com and 1X point on everything else. Plus, new cardholders can earn 75,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months.
Citi Premier Card: This card offers excellent rewards on travel purchases and has no foreign transaction fees. Earn 3X points on air travel, hotels, and gas stations, and 1X point on everything else. You can also earn a bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. Redeem points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits.
- Earn 2X or more on travel and dining purchases
- Access to luxury travel benefits and airport lounges
- Bonuses of 60,000 to 80,000 points/miles
- Redeem points for travel, cash back, or transfer to partner programs
Overall, these credit cards provide some of the best travel rewards and perks on the market. Consider your travel habits and preferences when selecting a card, and maximize your rewards by utilizing the tips and strategies discussed in this article.
How to Maximize Your Travel Rewards
If you’re looking to get the most out of your travel rewards credit card, there are a few strategies you can use. Here are some tips to help you maximize your rewards:
- Use your card for everyday spending: The more you use your card, the more rewards you can earn. Consider using your card for gas, groceries, and other regular expenses, but make sure you can pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
- Take advantage of bonus categories: Many travel rewards credit cards offer bonus points or miles for spending in certain categories, such as restaurants, hotels, or airfare. Make sure you know what these categories are and use your card accordingly.
- Utilize sign-up bonuses: Many travel rewards credit cards offer sign-up bonuses when you meet certain spending requirements within a certain timeframe. These bonuses can be a great way to quickly rack up rewards, so make sure you’re aware of any sign-up offers when you apply for a card.
- Consider transfer partners: Some travel rewards credit cards allow you to transfer your points or miles to partner airlines or hotels, which can give you more flexibility and value when it comes to redeeming your rewards. Make sure you’re aware of any transfer partners associated with your card.
- Redeem your rewards effectively: Finally, make sure you’re getting the most value out of your rewards when you redeem them. Look for opportunities to use your points or miles for high-value redemptions, such as first-class flights or luxury hotel stays. And make sure you’re not redeeming your rewards for less than their full value.
By following these strategies, you can make the most of your travel rewards credit card and enjoy more travel for less. Happy travels!
What Are the Benefits of Using a Credit Card for Travel Expenses Instead of a Debit Card?
Using credit cards vs debit cards for travel expenses offers several benefits. Firstly, most credit cards provide travel rewards, such as airline miles or hotel points, allowing you to earn free or discounted trips. Secondly, credit cards offer better fraud protection, as any unauthorized charges can be disputed. Additionally, credit cards often have travel insurance and rental car coverage. Lastly, using credit cards can help build and improve your credit history.
Comparison of Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Now that we have discussed the top travel rewards credit cards, it’s time to compare them and see which one best suits your needs. Below is a side-by-side analysis of the features and benefits of these cards:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Sign-up Bonus | Rewards Program | Redemption Options | Additional Travel Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $95 | 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months | 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases | Transfer points to travel partners or redeem for statement credit | Travel insurance, primary rental car insurance, no foreign transaction fees |
| American Express® Gold Card | $250 | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months | 4x points at restaurants, 4x points at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, 1x points on all other purchases | Redeem for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credit | Travel insurance, $120 annual dining credit, $100 annual airline fee credit |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | $95 | 100,000 miles after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months | 2x miles on every purchase | Redeem for travel, gift cards, or statement credit | No foreign transaction fees, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit |
As you can see, each card has its own set of advantages and requirements. If you are a frequent traveler and value flexibility in redeeming rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card may be the best choice for you. If you enjoy dining out and grocery shopping, the American Express® Gold Card is a great option. And if you want a straightforward rewards system with a generous sign-up bonus, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card might be the best fit.
When choosing a credit card, it’s important to consider your own spending habits and travel preferences. Take your time reviewing the benefits and fees of each card before making a decision. Remember, the best travel rewards credit card is the one that works best for you!
Conclusion
Choosing the right credit card for travel rewards can make all the difference in your vacation experience. By using one of the best travel rewards credit cards of 2021, you can earn points or miles on your travel expenses, access airport lounges, and enjoy travel insurance.
Remember, when selecting a card, it is important to consider the annual fees, interest rates, rewards programs, bonus offers, and flexibility in redeeming rewards. You should also think about your travel habits and preferences.
After reviewing and comparing the top travel rewards credit cards, I recommend that you start your journey with one of the best overall travel rewards credit cards. This will allow you to take advantage of a combination of features such as high earning potential, flexible redemption options, and additional travel perks.
Happy travels!
FAQ
Q: What are travel rewards credit cards?
A: Travel rewards credit cards are credit cards that offer perks and benefits specifically tailored towards travelers. These cards often earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses.
Q: How do travel rewards credit cards work?
A: Travel rewards credit cards typically earn rewards in the form of points or miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. These rewards can then be redeemed for travel-related expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and more.
Q: What are the benefits of using a travel rewards credit card?
A: Travel rewards credit cards offer a range of benefits for frequent travelers, including earning points or miles on travel expenses, access to airport lounges, travel insurance coverage, and perks like priority boarding and complimentary checked bags.
Q: How do I choose the best travel rewards credit card for me?
A: When choosing a travel rewards credit card, consider factors such as annual fees, interest rates, rewards programs, bonus offers, and flexibility in redeeming rewards. It’s also important to consider your travel habits and preferences to find a card that aligns with your needs.
Q: Can I use travel rewards credit cards outside of the United States?
A: Many travel rewards credit cards can be used internationally. However, it’s important to check with the credit card issuer to ensure that the card is widely accepted in the countries you plan to visit.
Q: How can I maximize my travel rewards?
A: To maximize your travel rewards, consider using your card for everyday spending, taking advantage of bonus categories, and utilizing sign-up bonuses. It’s also important to have a plan for redeeming your rewards effectively to get the most value out of them.
