The best travel credit cards provide lots more than cash backs. These offer a wide range of upgrades and perks which can make your next abroad trip from the standard to deluxe without even spending a single penny. Now to help you in choosing the best travel credit cards for your necessities, we have gone through various travel cards by using the average American’s budget and analyzing into each credit card’s benefits and drawbacks in finding the best out of the best as per the consumer habits.
Since a few years, travel credit cards are listed in the most competitive categories. Due to this some of the features are common across the board such as travel credit, upgrade programs and no foreign transaction charges.
But the matter gets twisted when you start looking beyond these features. When you apply for a new card, you need to consider a few things in mind such as how will you use it or how to optimize the points to get the maximum rewards. Additionally, you also have to keep in mind that you need to pay your balance on time as most of these credit cards have high interest rates.
Needless to say, each purchase you make will provide you extra miles or points which you can further redeem for other travel expenses.
If you are a regular customer of a particular hotel chain or airline, we will recommend you to go for the company’s branded credit cards.
If not, you can check out our best travel credit cards in this article that will offer you attractive rewards which you can use without any sort of restrictions.
Best Travel Credit Cards for US Travelers in 2020
1) Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best credit cards for those who love to enjoy their trip and gather high rewards.
Credit Score: 700 (or higher)
Regular APR: 15.99% to 22.99% Variable
Penalty APR: None
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
Welcome Credit Card Bonus
The user will get 100,000 bonus points (which is worth $1250) when they spend $4000 within the first 3 months of taking the membership. Although they can transfer those rewards to the airline as well as hotel loyalty programs.
Earning Points & Rewards
Get two points per dollar spent on traveling and dining and one point per dollar on other travel expenses. Additionally, you can earn five points on Lyft rides through March 2022. That’s 3X points in addition to the 2X points which you have already earned on travel. The points that you earn are 25% more once you redeem them for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.
Redeeming Rewards
The card provides great value in Chase Ultimate Rewards travel booking. Its rewards are worth more than 25% which is 1.25 cents per point.
Excellent Perks
- No foreign transaction fees
- Chip and signature technology
- 2X points on travel and dining
Annual Fee
The annual fee of Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is $95 which itself is a drawback if you don’t make enough purchases. However, it does not have any foreign transaction fees, meaning you don’t have to pay a 3% fee on the purchases that you make in the other country.
Points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide:
2 points per $1
Cash Advance Fee:
Either 5% or 10% of the amount of each transaction whichever is greater.
Additional Travel Benefits:
1.1 Point Transfer:
Airline Travel Partners:
- Aer Lingus, AerClub
- British Airways Executive Club
- Emirates Skywards®
- Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM
- Iberia Plus
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®
- United MileagePlus®
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Hotel Travel Partners:
- IHG® Rewards Club
- Marriott Bonvoy™
- World of Hyatt®
- The users can earn 2 reward points per dollar they have spent on travel and dining and 1 point on the rest of the expenses. The reward points are worth 25% more that is 1.25 cents per piece – When the users redeem for travel purposes through Chase or you can also transfer to various hotel and airline programs.
- You can earn 100,000 bonus points on spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of the signup. So it’s totally worth $750 when you redeem with the help of Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- It offers special benefits at 5-star hotels and resorts.
- Avail of $300 of annual travel credit for making various travel purchases.
- Get a complimentary year of Lyft Pink membership.
- Enjoy a free DashPass subscription for a year if you activate it by December 31, 2021.
- Get $60 DoorDash credit in the years 2020 and 2021.
- As this is the general-purpose travel credit card, so it does not provide various kinds of perks which are standard on branded hotel and airline cards within the same price range.
- If you are a basic spender then you may face difficulty in paying its annual charges which is $550.
- There is no introductory APR.
- High balance transfer fee.
Check Out Current Update of Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Click Here
2) Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve is also the best travel credit card for US travelers which offers various features and perks that you would want from a luxury credit card. Also, it is a metal-based credit card that will give your wallet a premium feel.
Credit Score: 720
Regular APR: 16.99% -23.99% Variable
Penalty APR: None
Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%
Welcome Credit Card Bonus:
Get 60,000 bonus points which are worth up to $900 in travel once you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months.
Earning Points & Rewards:
Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers three points per $1 on making travel purchases after you earn $300 travel credit, three points per $1 on making dining purchases, and 1 point per $1 on Lyft rides. All other miscellaneous purchases that you make will offer you one point per $1.
Redeeming Rewards:
When you make travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you will get points that are worth 50% more.
Excellent Perks:
No foreign transaction fees, purchase protection, baggage delay insurance, reimbursement for lost luggage and lots more.
Annual Fee:
The annual fee of Chase Sapphire Reserve is $550. If you are one who wants amazing travel rewards then it cannot be the go-to option for you. However, it does not charge any foreign transaction fee. But it has an annual fee for the authorized users at $75 per card.
Points on Travel, Dining and Restaurants Worldwide:
3 points on travel, 3 points on dining at restaurants and 1 point per $1 spent on miscellaneous purchases.
Cash Advance Fee:
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer whichever is higher.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers exceptional benefits which you will love to enjoy. While redeeming points for travel, the points are worth 50% more.
- Get 300% travel credit annually for making travel purchases.
- Enjoy special benefits at 5-star hotels & resorts.
- Avail free DashPass subscription for a year when activated by December 31, 2021.
- Additional $60 DoorDash credit in the year 2020 and 2021.
- Ger complimentary year of Lyft Pink Membership.
- There is no introductory APR.
- Relatively high $550 annual fee.
- High balance transfer fee.
Check out the Current Update of Chase Sapphire Reserve® Click here
Also Read: How to Exchange Money in a Foreign Country?
3) American Express® Gold Card
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is such a credit card that helps the users enjoy flexibility on how they redeem rewards and get their earnings.
Credit Score: 690 or higher
Regular APR: 15.99% – 22.99%, which is based on the creditworthiness of the cardholder
Penalty APR: None
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Welcome Credit Card Bonus
It offers 75,000 as welcome bonus points when the users spend $4,000 in making purchases within the first 6 months of account opening.
(verify this offer on the official credit card page mention at the end of this cad info)
Earning Points & Rewards
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card users can earn 4X points per $1 on dining in restaurants, rideshares, flights, homestays, hotels, car rentals, and other popular streaming services. And 1X points per $1 on making other purchases.
4X Point per $1 on On Groceries At U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year.
3X Point per $1 On flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
1X Point On Other Eligible Purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
The points are equal to 1 cent per piece which gives the users flexibility.
Excellent Perks
- No annual fee
- No expiry date of the points that the users earn
Annual Fee:
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card doesn’t charge an annual fee which makes it easy in structuring the rewards without even wondering if it is enough in covering the cost of the card.
Points on Travel and Dining at Restaurants Worldwide:
3X points spent on travel, dining out, and in various streaming services.
Cash Advance Fees:
Either $10 or 5% of each advance, whichever is higher.
- They don’t charge any annual fee.
- No fee is charged on the purchases that are made outside of the US.
- There are no blackout dates on air travel when they are redeemed.
- There is 0% APR for the first year on balance transfers and purchases.
- There is a minimum reward redemption amount of 2,500 points.
- Assessing the balance transfer fee.
Check out current update of American Express® Gold Card Click Here
4) Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Cards is also the best credit card for US travelers. Which provides maximum travel benefits as well as rewards. If you are one who is in search of a good travel credit card then this can be the ideal choice for you.
Credit Score: 750 or higher
Regular APR: 17.24% – 24.49% Variable
Penalty APR: None
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Welcome Credit Card Bonus:
50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earning Points & Rewards:
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 5 points per $1 on hotel and rental cars booking and 2 points per $1 on other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards:
The users can redeem 1.25 miles per $1 spent on making purchases.
Excellent Perks:
- Travel accident insurance
- Extended warranty
- 24 hours travel assistance and more.
Annual Fee:
The annual fee of Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card $95 which can be the best option if you make the payment of $10,000 or more per year.
Points on Travel and Dining Restaurants Worldwide:
2x miles on travel and dining restaurants worldwide.
Cash Advance Fee:
Either $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance, whichever is higher.
- Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $100 every 4 years.
- 5 points on cars and hotels booked through the Capital One Venture Rewards card.
- They charge $95 as an annual fee.
- There is no introductory APR.
5) Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is such a credit card which helps the users enjoy flexibility on how they redeem rewards and get their earnings.
Credit Score: 690 or higher
Regular APR: 14.49% – 24.99%, which is based on the creditworthiness of the cardholder
Penalty APR: None
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Welcome Credit Card Bonus
It offers 20,000 as welcome bonus points when the users spend $1,000 in making purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earning Points & Rewards
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card users can earn 3X points per $1 on dining in restaurants, rideshares, flights, homestays, hotels, car rentals and other popular streaming services. And 1X points per $1 on making other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
The points are equal to 1 cent per piece which gives the users flexibility.
Excellent Perks
- No annual fee
- No expiry date of the points that the users earn
Annual Fee
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card doesn’t charge an annual fee which makes it easy in structuring the rewards without even wondering if it is enough in covering the cost of the card.
Points on Travel and Dining at Restaurants Worldwide
3X points spent on travel, dining out and in various streaming services.
Cash Advance Fees
Either $10 or 5% of each advance, whichever is higher.
- They don’t charge any annual fee.
- No fee is charged on the purchases that are made outside of the US.
- There are no blackout dates on air travel when they are redeemed.
- There is 0% APR for the first year on balance transfers and purchases.
- There is a minimum reward redemption amount of 2,500 points.
- Assessing the balance transfer fee.
6) Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students provides exciting rewards, particularly for students.
Credit Score: New to credit
Regular APR: 14.99% to 22.99%
Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Welcome Credit Card Bonus
The users can earn 25,000 bonus points if they make a minimum $1,000 purchases within 90 days of their account opening.
Earning Points & Rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for students users will get 1.5 points per $1 purchase. However, there is no such special category in maximising it.
Redeeming Rewards
The points are worth 1 cent when they are redeemed.
Excellent Perks
- Flat 1.5 point earning rate
- No additional fee
- 25,000 sign up bonus
- Free credit score
- No additional fee
Annual Fee
No annual fee is charged for using the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students but still offers maximum rewards.
Points on Travel and Dining at Restaurants Worldwide
1.5X points earned on the amount spent on travel and dining at restaurant worldwide.
Cash Advance Fee
Either $10 or 3% of the amount spent per transaction whichever is higher.
- Offers welcome bonus of 25,000 points if the users spend $1,000 within the first 3 months of the card purchase.
- 0% APR for 12 billing cycles on making purchases.
- No fee will be charged on making purchases outside the US.
- The cardholders don’t have to be the US citizens for applying for the particular card.
There are no student-centric benefits.
7) The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
For the corporate travellers who spend a lot of time on-air or road, The Business Platinum Card® can be a go-to card for you.
Credit Score: 720
Regular APR: 14.24% – 22.24% Variable
Penalty APR: None
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Welcome Credit Card Bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus points after the purchasing worth $15,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earning Points & Rewards
The users will get 5 points per $1 on hotel and flights and 1 point per $1 on making other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
The users will get 1 cent per point when redeemed for flights or gift cards using the American Express Travel.
Excellent Perks
- 50% more membership reward points.
- 35% airline bonus
- 75,000 membership rewards
Annual Fee
The users need to pay $595 as an annual fee for the Business Platinum Card from American Express. However, the welcome amount is worth $750.
Points on Travel and Dining at Restaurants Worldwide
The users get 5 points on travel and dining at restaurants all across the world.
Cash Advance Fee
None
- 5X points on hotels and flight booking.
- Get access of over 1,200 airport lounges all across the world.
- Get $200 annual credit
- The annual fee is steep.
- Bonus is limited
Also Read: Running Out of Money While Traveling – What Solution you have?
8) Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
This card is perfect for frequent travellers who are in search of flexibility in credit card rewards. It provides rewards not only for the airlines, hotels or car rentals but it also offers exciting rewards for transactions made in attractions such as carnivals, museums, zoos as well as amusement parks.
Credit Score: 720
Regular APR: 15.99% – 22.99%
Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Welcome Credit Card Bonus
The users will earn 50,000 points after they have made purchases of worth $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earning Points & Rewards
The users will earn 2 points per $1 spent on dining and travel and 1.5 points per $1 on any other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
The users will get 1 cent each when redeemed for flights, dining and other purchases.
Excellent Perks
- Reimbursement in trip delay.
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Lost baggage reimbursement
- Insurance on baggage delay
- Purchase protection
- Emergency and travel assistance service
- Return protection
- Extended warranty
- Roadside dispatch program
Annual Fee:
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card charges $95 annually. But does not reject it the first year which makes it different from other travel credit card.
Points on Travel and Dining at Restaurants Worldwide
The users will get 2 points per $1 on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide.
Cash Advance Fee
Either $10 or 3% of the amount spend per transaction whichever is higher.
- Get sign up bonus
- Earn points on travelling and dining.
- Offers premium travel protections.
- They offer higher rewards rates for Merrill customers and Bank of America customers
- Charges highest rewards rate which is limited to specific customers.
9. World of Hyatt Card
The World of Hyatt Card is perfect for those who are geared towards leisure and business travellers who visit cities within Canada, US, Europe, Asia as well as Mexico.
Credit Score: 700 or higher
Regular APR: 15.99% – 22.99%
Penalty APR: None
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Welcome Credit Card Bonus
The users will get 25,000 welcome bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases made within the first 3 months of the account opening. Additionally, they offer 25,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in total within the first 6 months of account opening.
Earning Points & Rewards
You can earn 4 bonus points per $1 spent on purchases made on restaurants and spas. Additionally, you can earn 2 points per $1 on dining at restaurants and flight booking and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards:
The users will get standard 1 cent each on transactions made on travel and dining out.
Excellent Perks
- One night free Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort on each card anniversary year.
- Automatic elite status
Annual Fee
The annual fee of The World of Hyatt Credit Card is $95 but it still offers excellent perks which help offset the cost.
Points on Travel and Dining at Restaurants Worldwide
The users will get 4 points per $1 spent on Hyatt, 2 points per $1 spent on dining at restaurants and 1 point per $1 spent on making other purchases.
Cash Advance Fee
$10 or 5% of the amount whichever is higher.
- Get complimentary stays in standard rooms which start at 5,000 points per day.
- Earn and utilize the points at hotels irrespective of price and styles.
- The people who are the Elite members of the World Hyatt will earn miles and points for participating flights and stays.
- Rooms which are under the high-end category will cost a large number of points.
- Few elite membership benefits are not present at selected hotels.
- They offer free night awards for the standard rooms when hotels have a presence at the standard rate.
10) Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer rewards its users for making purchases as well as for paying the credit card bill. Apart from this, it provides various travel and purchase benefits to its users.
Credit Score: 740 to 850
Regular APR: 13.99% – 23.99%
Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% made on each purchase in US Dollars.
Welcome Credit Card Bonus:
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer doesn’t offer any welcome bonus. However, it offers cashback with every purchase.
Earning Points & Rewards
The users will get 2 points per $1 spent on travel, dining and other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
The Citi Double Cash Card users can get up to 1% cashback on making purchases and 1% cashback when the users pay for purchases. Through these, the users can maximize the rewards by paying their balance.
Excellent Perks
- Support for identity theft.
- Access to event ticket sales.
- Concierge service
Annual Fee
The Citi Double Cash Card doesn’t charge an annual fee from its users.
Points on Travel and Dining at Restaurants Worldwide
The users will get 2 points per $1 spent on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide and 1 point per $1 spent on making other purchases
Cash Advance Fee
Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction whichever is higher.
- Earn 2% cashback on the card.
- You can save the interests with this card if you have a balance on another card.
- There is no such traditional sign-up bonus, unlike any card.
- As this card does not charge any annual fee foreign transaction fee and balance transfer fee, it’s something to be very aware of these things will impact your account.
11) Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is basically a cashback rewards card which provides exciting rewards on various everyday purchases.
Credit Score: 700+
Regular APR: 12.99% – 23.99% Variable
Penalty APR: 29.24% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction made in US dollars
Welcome Credit Card Bonus:
The users will earn 10,000 points on the purchase worth $1,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earning Points & Rewards:
The users will get 6% cash back on the purchases of $6,000 per years and 6% cashback on selected US streaming subscriptions.
Redeeming Rewards:
The users can redeem in the form of increments of $25 along with the $25 in minimum.
Excellent Perks:
- Offers a detailed year ending summary of spending as well as rewards.
- Access to track the cashback rewards through mobile device and online.
- Special access to entertainment event tickets. .
Annual Fee:
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express charges an annual fee of $95 but they offer cashback rewards on purchases.
Points on Travel and Dining at Restaurants Worldwide:
The users will get $150 cashback as a statement credit.
Cash Advance Fee:
Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is higher.
- Get access to the global assist hotline which provides 24/7 help if any sort of emergency occurs.
- Offers car damage and rental loss insurance.
- Fraud liability coverage.
- Does not offer any flat rate for cashback.
- Individuals who do not spend $6,000 per year will not get full cashback.
12) Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card offers users access to versatile credit card rewards. Apart from this it also offers various benefits which add value along with its attractive rewards programs.
Credit Score: 740
Regular APR: 15.99% – 20.99% that is based on the creditworthiness of the users.
Penalty APR: None
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Welcome Credit Card Bonus
It offers 1,00,000 points when the users spend $15,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Earning Points & Rewards:
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card provides 3 points per $1 spent on travel, internet, shipping, phone and cable services and 1 point per $1 spent on making other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
It offers an average of over 1.25 cents per point redeemed.
Excellent Perks
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Rental car insurance
- Roadside assistance
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty protection
Annual Fee
The users of Ink Business Preferred Credit Card charges $95 per year. However, the charge doesn’t charge any sort of foreign transaction fee.
Points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide
The users will get 3 points per $1 spent on travel and dining t restaurants worldwide and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Cash Advance Fee
Either $15 or 5% spent on the amount of each transaction, whichever is higher.
- It offers 3 points per $1 spent on purchases.
- Provides a great introductory bonus to the new account openers.
- It also provides transfer points to the travel partners.
- Offers an additional 25% cashback when they are used to book travel via Chase.
- Charges a huge annual percentage rate.
- Charges annual fee
| Sr No: | Credit Card | Rewards Rate | Intro Offer | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 2X – 5X Points | 60,000 Points | $95 |
| 2. | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 1X – 3X Points | 50,000 Points | $550 |
| 3. | American Express® Gold Card | 1X – 4X Points | 35,000 Points | $250 |
| 4. | Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card | 2X – 5X Point | 50,000 Points | $95 |
| 5. | Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card | 1X – 3X Point | 20,000 Points | None |
| 6 | Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students | 1.5X Points | 25,000 Points | None |
| 7 | The Business Platinum Card From American Express | 1X – 5X Point | 75,000 Points | $595 |
| 8. | Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card | 1.5X – 2X Point | 50,000 Points | $95 |
| 9. | World of Hyatt Card | 1X – 5X Point | 25,000 Points | $95 |
| 10. | Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer | 2X Points | None | None |
| 11. | Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | 1X – 3X Point | 1,00,000 Points | $95 |
| 12. | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | 6% cash back on purchase worth $6,000 | 10,000 Points | $95 |
Bottom Line
So these are some of the best travel credit cards that you can go for. Apart from this, there are various other travel credit cards available from hotel and airline-specific and other choices.
In order to select the best card as per your needs, you should keep several factors in your mind. First, you need to consider whether you are willing to pay the annual fee.
It may not be worthwhile for someone to pay such a huge annual fee. Rewards are the second most factors you should consider and you need to do some research as per your spending habits.
We hope this article was helpful to you. Let us know in the comments section below which travel credit card will you prefer the most.
“I am curious to know which card you are using or you like. Please comment your opinion about that card.“