The most acceptable travel credit cards come with various bonuses and improvements that can transform your next vacation from inexpensive to opulent without spending more money. They also provide fantastic cash-back incentives.
We examined 35 popular travel cards using an average American’s annual spending budget. We looked at each card’s benefits and drawbacks to identify the best of the best based on your purchasing preferences. Did this analysis assist you in selecting the best travel card for your needs?
Travel cards have risen to the top of the most competitive categories in recent years. As a result, several benefits, including upgrade programs, trip credits, and no international transaction fees, are almost universal.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is wise for shoppers who enjoy dining out and traveling. Although there is a $250 annual charge for the card, several premium perks help to make up for it.
The annual statement credits are a significant benefit that travelers should take advantage of. Cardholders receive $100 in hotel credits when they book accommodations through The Hotel Collection with American Express Travel and a $120 dining credit to offset restaurant costs ($10 per month at Seamless, Grubhub, and other participating restaurants; membership is required).
Pros
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For purchases made through Grubhub and other qualified restaurants, up to $120 in eating credits yearly ($10 per month) (after a one-time enrollment)
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For U.S. UberEats orders and U.S. Uber trips, up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month) ( must add the card to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit)
Cons
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$250 annual fee, no introductory APR period
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you want to book a lot of travel this fall, it could be a good idea to use the Capital One Venture Incentives Credit Card, which has no shortage of travel perks and rewards. Cardholders earn unlimited 2X miles on all purchases and 5X on hotels and rental vehicles booked through Capital One Travel.
You have two options for utilizing your points to pay for travel: using a statement credit or using Capital One’s Reward Center. You can also exchange your points for cash in the form of a check, although doing so reduces the value of each issue to 0.5 cents. Travelers from outside can enjoy not paying any foreign transaction costs. Additionally, cardholders are eligible for a one-time credit of up to $100 for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. You can also use your Venture Rewards card to gain entry to premium athletic and musical events.
Pros
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5X miles for bookings made with Capital One Travel, Global Entry.
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TSA PreCheck will reimburse up to $100 in application fees every four years.
Cons
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Not a first-time APR
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There is a yearly fee of $95
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The rewards program offers 3X points for meals, 5X points for travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and 2X points for all other travel bookings. It’s a terrific method to get extra value from the rewards program because points are worth 25% more when used for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Pros
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Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
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Travel insurance options include trip reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and a collision damage waiver for car rentals.
Cons
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$95 for each year
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No 0% APR introductory period
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Because of its abundant benefits and effective rewards scheme, Chase Sapphire Reserve is well-liked among travelers. After spending their $300 yearly travel credit, cardholders receive 5X points on airfare and 10X points on hotels and auto rentals when making purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Customers also receive 3X points for more meals and travel and 1X points for all other expenditures.
But, the benefits are what set this card apart for travelers. You may sign up for Priority Pass Select for more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide with accessible facilities like Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages, etc. And receive a statement credit of up to $100 (every four years) to assist with covering the costs of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
The Chase Ultimate Rewards portal offers everything you need to plan a trip, from car rentals to cruise bookings. Additionally, you can reserve accommodations through the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to enjoy upgrades at check-in, free dinners, flexible check-in hours, more amenities, and exclusive savings.
Pros
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Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees are waived up to $100 every four years with a $300 yearly travel credit for travel-related goods.
Cons
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Although a high annual charge can counter it by utilizing all the benefits of the card.
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Not a first-time APR
Lastly, read more about travel and travel hacks here to make your trips easier.
