On the Go? Explore the 10 Best Credit Cards for Frequent Travelers
August 7, 2023
6 min read
Traveling enriches the soul, broadens the mind, and adds a depth of experience that nothing else can. Whether you are a frequent jet-setter or an occasional vacationer, a travel credit card can be a crucial tool to enhance your journeys.
Today, we delve into the realm of the ten best travel credit cards that make your trips more rewarding and cater to many of your travel-related needs.
What Makes a Good Travel Credit Card?
An exceptional travel credit card can be your trusty companion while journeying across continents or simply taking a short domestic trip. However, not all travel cards are created equal. There are several key attributes that make a travel credit card truly stand out. Some key features to look for include:
Generous Rewards Program
At the heart of any good travel credit card is a robust rewards program. Whether it's in the form of points, miles, or cash back, the card should allow you to earn a high rate of rewards for each dollar spent, particularly on travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Competitive Sign-Up Bonuses
Many travel cards lure in customers with attractive sign-up bonuses. These bonuses, often doled out in thousands of miles or points, can rapidly accumulate rewards, provided you meet the card's initial spending requirement.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you frequently travel abroad, foreign transaction fees can quickly add up. A top-notch travel credit card would eliminate these fees, ensuring you don't incur extra costs while making purchases overseas.
Reasonable Annual Fees
While many travel cards charge annual fees, a good card would justify this expense through its rewards program and additional benefits. Even better, some great travel cards don't charge any annual fee at all.
Travel-Specific Benefits
Standout travel cards will offer additional perks and benefits tailored specifically to the needs of travelers. These could include complimentary travel insurance, access to airport lounges, priority boarding, free checked baggage, or even elite status in hotel and airline loyalty programs.
The Top 10 Best Travel Credit Cards
Now that we know what makes a good travel credit card, let's delve into our top ten picks.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If you're a globe trotter with a taste for the finer things, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will fuel your wanderlust. It offers double points on worldwide travel and dining, boosting your earning potential while you enjoy life's pleasures.
When you choose to use your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you enjoy a 25% increase in their worth, letting your rewards take you farther. The substantial sign-up bonus is your golden ticket to a world filled with luxury.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
For those who appreciate straightforwardness and adaptability in their travel card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card emerges as a dependable ally. It promises unlimited two-fold miles on all purchases, not limiting to merely travel-centric expenses, thereby making reward accumulation a breeze.
Additionally, the card provides an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, smoothing your way through airport security. Its hassle-free rewards program makes it a standout choice for frequent travelers.
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Experience the pinnacle of luxury travel with The Platinum Card® from American Express. It grants quintuple Membership Rewards points on airfares booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com.
Enjoy the privilege of accessing over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide and save up to $200 annually with Uber. While the annual fee may be high, this card's array of extravagant perks makes it an irresistible choice for avid globetrotters.
4. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card epitomizes simplicity and straightforwardness, providing consistent rewards irrespective of your purchases. For every dollar you spend, you receive 1.5 points, eliminating the complexity of reward categories.
Plus, you can redeem your points as statement credits to offset travel expenses, giving you the freedom to choose how you want to travel. With no annual fee, this card offers simple, flexible, and cost-effective benefits for all kinds of travelers.
5. American Express® Gold Card
Meet the Amex Gold Card, your passport to maximizing rewards on your travel and dining experiences. It entitles you to a bountiful 4X points when dining out and 3X points on flights purchased directly with airlines or through amextravel.com. The annual fee is steep, but given the outstanding rewards, it's a trade-off many will find worthwhile.
6. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card stands out as a credit card that seamlessly combines extensive reward categories and solid travel perks. Its impressive offering of 3X points on various categories, such as dining, grocery shopping, gas, flights, and hotel stays, bridges the gap between your daily expenses and travel aspirations. While there's an annual fee involved, the flexible rewards system helps balance it out.
7. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card shines brightly in the constellation of travel credit cards, blending practicality with rich rewards. One of its major attractions is its no-annual-fee policy, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking to maximize rewards without the burden of yearly costs.
While potential foreign transaction fees must be considered for frequent international travelers, this card's simple and rewarding points system and commitment to strong customer service make it an enticing proposition.
8. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card is a darling for those who appreciate flexibility in their reward earnings. Earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limit, and enjoy extra rewards on travel, dining, and drugstore purchases. Although this card doesn't have an annual fee, it does charge foreign transaction fees, which is something to consider for international travelers.
9. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ideal for the discerning business owner, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card provides rewarding 3X points on the initial $150,000 spent on combined purchases. This includes travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising expenses incurred on social media sites and search engines during each account anniversary year.
Beyond that, you'll earn an unlimited 1 point per dollar. With an annual fee, it might not be for everyone, but the benefits of business spending could make this fee worthwhile for many.
10. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Fly high with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. Enjoy the benefit of earning 2X Miles on not just Delta purchases but also at restaurants around the world, including takeout and delivery services in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
The annual fee can be offset by valuable perks such as the first checked bag free on Delta flights and Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding. If you're a frequent Delta flyer, the rewards and benefits are sure to please.
Your Passport to Rewarding Travels Starts Here!
The right travel credit card can transform your travel experience, offering convenience and lucrative rewards. Each of the top ten travel credit cards mentioned earlier provides unique benefits tailored to different traveling styles and spending tendencies. It's worth taking the time to identify your needs, thoroughly research your options, and pick the best card that complements your lifestyle.
