On the Go? Explore the 10 Best Credit Cards for Frequent Travelers
April 22, 2025
7 min read
Frequent travel isn't just about hopping on a plane and collecting stamps in your passport. It’s about comfort, flexibility, and yes—making your money work harder for you while you explore the world (or crisscross the country on business). And if you’re swiping your card for flights, hotels, rideshares, and late-night airport snacks without a solid travel credit card in your wallet… you might be leaving real value on the table.
As someone who travels often (and made more than one rookie mistake with the wrong card), I can tell you: a good travel credit card isn't just a nice-to-have—it’s an absolute power move. The right one can unlock lounge access, eliminate foreign transaction fees, cover your travel insurance, and turn your spending into free flights and five-star hotel stays.
But with literally hundreds of travel-focused cards out there, how do you choose?
This guide will walk you through 10 of the best credit cards for frequent travelers—whether you're chasing points, craving luxury perks, or just looking to save a little extra while you rack up the miles.
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
This is a fantastic all-around travel card, especially for those just getting started in the world of points and miles. With a modest $95 annual fee and a strong sign-up bonus (100,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months), it’s one of the most flexible cards on the market. You’ll earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1x on everything else. Points transfer 1:1 to top airline and hotel partners, making this a highly valuable rewards system with minimal fees and strong travel protections.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The go-to card for luxury travelers, The Platinum Card offers unbeatable lounge access (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs) and elite status with hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Though it comes with a hefty $695 annual fee, it includes up to $200 in airline credits, $240 in digital entertainment credits, and up to $189 in Clear® membership reimbursement. You'll earn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel. For frequent flyers who love comfort, this card delivers.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
A perfect pick for people who value simplicity and flexibility. The Capital One Venture earns 2x miles on every purchase, no matter the category. Miles can be redeemed as travel statement credits or transferred to over 15 travel partners. It also includes a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit and no foreign transaction fees, all for a manageable $95 annual fee. Great for those who want to earn and redeem rewards without keeping track of multiple spending categories.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A premium travel card for those who are on the road—or in the air—often. With a $550 annual fee, you get a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and top-tier trip protections. You’ll earn 3x points on travel and dining, and up to 10x on some purchases through Chase Travel and Lyft. Ultimate Rewards points transfer to the same partners as the Sapphire Preferred but with better value when redeemed directly through Chase's travel portal. Best for travelers who are ready to take it up a notch.
5. American Express® Gold Card
Ideal for travelers who love to eat as much as they love to explore, the Amex Gold earns 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), plus 3x on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel. With an annual fee of $325, it includes dining credits with select partners and no foreign transaction fees. If food and travel are your love languages, this card offers serious value, especially when you leverage Amex's transfer partners.
6. Citi Strata Premier® Card
A sleeper hit for international travelers and anyone who likes generous bonus categories. You’ll earn 3x points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations—all for just a $95 annual fee. Points transfer to more than 15 airline partners, many of which serve international routes not commonly covered by other cards. It’s an excellent value card if you're looking for breadth of coverage in everyday spending and global redemptions.
7. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
One of the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards out there, this card offers 1.5x unlimited points on all purchases and a 25,000-point welcome bonus after a $1,000 spend in the first 90 days. Points are redeemable as travel credits toward flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards client, you could earn up to 75% more points on purchases. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want decent perks and a straightforward rewards system.
8. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠
Wells Fargo is stepping up its travel rewards game with this card, offering 5x points on hotels, 3x on airfare, dining, and travel, and 1x on all other purchases. It comes with a $95 annual fee and a 60,000-point sign-up bonus after $4,000 in spending within the first three months. Points can be redeemed through Wells Fargo’s own platform or transferred to travel partners (expected to expand). This one’s ideal for travelers looking for a new alternative to the more mainstream offerings.
9. United℠ Explorer Card
For anyone who frequently flies United, this co-branded card can quickly pay for itself. It waives your first checked bag fee (a $70 roundtrip value), offers priority boarding, and gives you two United Club passes per year—all for a $150 annual fee (waived the first year). It earns 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels, and includes trip delay insurance and rental car coverage. This card is perfect for loyalty-driven flyers looking to upgrade their experience without upgrading their budget.
10. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
A hotel rewards powerhouse, the Hilton Surpass Card offers 12x points on Hilton purchases, 6x at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x on everything else. It comes with Gold elite status, which includes room upgrades and free breakfast at Hilton properties, and 10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year. The $150 annual fee is easily offset if you stay at Hilton brands more than once or twice per year. Ideal for travelers who want hotel perks without holding a premium card.
How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card
With all these great options, here’s how to narrow it down:
- Do you prefer points or cash back? (Most travel cards favor points, but some offer cash options too.)
- Do you fly or drive more often? (If you’re road-tripping more than flying, consider cards with strong gas and hotel rewards.)
- Do you have a favorite airline or hotel chain? (If you’re loyal to a brand, a co-branded card might offer outsized value.)
- Are you okay with paying an annual fee? (If not, there are still solid options—but you may lose out on premium perks.)
- Do you travel internationally? (Make sure your card has no foreign transaction fees.)
Make Your Travels Work for You
Here’s the bottom line: Travel credit cards aren’t just about points—they’re about possibilities. Whether you're jetting off to Europe twice a year or racking up miles between client meetings, the right card can help you earn while you explore, reduce stress, and unlock benefits that elevate your entire experience.
But like any financial tool, it pays to be strategic. Choose a card that matches your lifestyle, maximize your rewards, and always—always—pay your balance in full. Interest charges are the fastest way to cancel out all the benefits.
Ready to make your next trip even more rewarding? Find the card that fits your travel style, pack your bags, and let your wallet work smarter—so you can focus on the adventure.
