Best Travel Credit Cards 2024
Travel credit cards offer numerous benefits to frequent travelers. They provide points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses. Choosing the right travel credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card remains a favorite among travelers. It offers 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1x on all other purchases. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Travel Insurance: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary rental car insurance
Redemption Options
Points can be transferred to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, points can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel, where you get 25% more value.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This card is perfect for those who want to earn miles on every purchase without categorizing expenses. It offers 2x miles on every purchase. New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Perks: Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit up to $100
Redemption Simplicity
Redeeming miles is straightforward. Use miles for travel purchases such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. Miles can also be transferred to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
American Express Platinum Card
A premium choice for frequent travelers, the American Express Platinum Card is packed with benefits. Earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. Earn 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.
- Annual Fee: $695
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Luxury Perks: Access to Centurion Lounges, $200 airline fee credit, and more
Exclusive Benefits
This card offers top-tier travel protection including trip cancellation insurance, baggage insurance, and premium rental car privileges. Additionally, receive up to $200 in Uber credits annually and up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits annually.
Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card is excellent for earning points across various categories. Earn 3x points on hotels, air travel, and restaurants. Earn 3x points at supermarkets and gas stations, and 1x on all other purchases. New cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- ThankYou Points: Redeemable for travel, gift cards, shopping, and more
Versatile Rewards
Points can be transferred to airline partners for valuable redemptions. Alternatively, redeem points through the Citi ThankYou portal for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Discover it Miles
The Discover it Miles card offers simplicity and rewards without an annual fee. Earn unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar spent. New cardholders get an unlimited mile-for-mile match of all the miles earned in the first year.
- Annual Fee: None
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Redemption Options: Redeem miles as a statement credit for travel purchases or for cash back
First-Year Match
Discover matches all the miles earned in the first year of card membership. This can be an excellent boost for those planning significant travel within the first year.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
This card is ideal for those who prefer no annual fee but still want to earn travel rewards. Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
- Annual Fee: None
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Advantage: Up to 75% more points for Preferred Rewards members
Simplified Redemption
Redeem points for travel, cash back, or gift cards. There are no blackout dates or restrictions, giving flexibility to redeem points whenever needed.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card
This no-annual-fee card offers substantial rewards in popular categories. Earn 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas stations, rideshares, transit, flights, hotels, homestays, and car rentals. Earn 1x points on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: None
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Perks: Cell phone protection and car rental loss and damage insurance
Generous Reward Structure
Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and more. This card provides a high reward rate on several spending categories, aiding travelers in maximizing their points.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
This card is perfect for Hilton loyalists. Earn 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6x at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x on other purchases. New cardholders can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in the first three months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary Gold status
Hilton Rewards
Hilton Honors points can be redeemed for stays at Hilton properties worldwide. Gold status provides perks like free breakfast and room upgrades.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
This card suits travelers who frequent Marriott properties. Earn 17x points for every dollar spent on stays at Marriott properties, 2x on all other purchases. New cardholders can earn 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Free Night Award: Every year after your account anniversary
Loyalty Program Benefits
Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for stays at Marriott properties. Expect perks such as room upgrades and late checkout with elite status.
Choosing the best travel credit card in 2024 depends on your travel habits and preferences. Consider factors like annual fees, earning rates, and redemption flexibility. Opt for a card that aligns with your travel goals to maximize your benefits.