13 Travel Credit Cards That Can Fund Your Next Vacation—and Beyond
Travel credit cards are more appealing than ever, offering generous sign up bonuses and travel perks, and the ability to rack up points on everyday spending. The right card can get you on your way to flights, hotels, or even that spontaneous weekend getaway without scrimping and saving for years.
There are a lot of travel credit cards to choose from, and each is tailored to a type of traveler: frequent flyer, road trip warrior, or someone who just wants to save a little more money while seeing the world. To fund your next adventure and set you up for future ones, here’s a roundup of travel credit cards.
Travel Rewards by Bank of America
If you’re shopping for a no annual fee option to earn points on travel, the Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a good one. For every dollar you spend, you’ll earn 1.5 points and can use those points toward any travel purchase. It also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a fantastic companion for international travel.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass
If hotel stays are a big part of your travel plans, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card might be your go to. You’ll also score generous points on dining, groceries and gas, and get 12x points on Hilton purchases. You’ll also get a free weekend night stay after spending a certain amount annually, and Hilton Gold status for just being a cardholder.
United Explorer Card
If you are a loyal United Airlines customer, you will enjoy free checked bags, priority boarding and two United Club passes each year with the United Explorer Card. You’ll also earn bonus miles on purchases on United and dining. If you end up flying United regularly, it’s a smart choice for a moderate annual fee with good rewards structure.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
This card is a fan favorite, as this CNET article attests. Many opt for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card because it’s a solid sign-up process and 2x points on travel and dining. You also get to transfer your points to a number of travel partners such as airlines and hotels, or redeem them through Chase’s own travel portal. This makes it good for the hardened traveler or a weekend jet setter alike because it hits the balance between perks and practicality just right.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card rewards a loyal following like Southwest Airlines. In addition to 2x points on Southwest purchases, you’ll also receive travel benefits like free checked bags and an annual travel credit. It also helps you earn points towards Southwest’s coveted Companion Pass, which allows a travel partner to fly with you for free.
Gold American Express Delta SkyMiles
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card is for you if you’re a frequent Delta flyer with priority boarding, free checked bags and discounts on Delta Sky Club access. You’ll earn bonus miles on Delta purchases and restaurants and get the annual fee waived in your first year if you spend a lot of money.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
If you’re a Marriott loyalist, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is for you if you’re already booking Marriott stays and everyday purchases. You’ll earn points with 6x on Marriott purchases and 2x on everything else. Great if you’re looking to maximize your hotel stays, you also get a free night per year after your account anniversary.
Capital One Venture X Rewards
This premium version of the Venture Rewards card earns 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5x miles on flights. The Venture X also comes with airport lounges and annual travel credits. This credit card is for you if you’re looking for high rewards and flexibility with a low fee.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
If you live near an Alaska Airlines hub or travel on their routes often, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card can be hugely valuable to you. The best perk is their yearly companion fare — you can bring a travel partner for a discounted rate, as this Alaskan Airline News article attests. Every purchase will earn miles. For fans of the airline, Alaska flights also come with free checked bags and priority boarding.
Capital One Venture Rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards card may be just what you’re looking for if you like things simple. With every single purchase, you earn 2x miles, no bonus categories to remember, no rotating rewards to sign up for. You can use the miles you earn to erase any kind of travel expense, from flights to hotels, even to taxis or Airbnb stays. This card is a simple option for those who want to earn points without hassle.
American Express Platinum
The American Express Platinum card is one of American Express’ higher net worth cards offering a ton of luxury travel perks. You’ll have access to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide, even when you’re not traveling first class. You also get airline fee credits, hotel benefits and elite status with some of the major hotel chains. The steep annual fee might keep some people away, but for frequent travelers, the perks will more than pay for it.
Citi Premier
You are rewarded well for everyday purchases with 3x points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets with the Citi Premier card. That said, it also has a decent sign up bonus and reasonable annual fee. If you’re on the hunt for a card that earns points in a lot of categories with no complicated requirements, this one yields a lot of value for daily use as well as travel.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the premium sibling card to the Sapphire Preferred for those who need even more out of their travel card. The travel and dining category earn 3x points, travel credit once per year, and you get access to Priority Pass lounges. The annual fee is higher, but the card’s benefits — such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credits — will pay for themselves when you’re a frequent traveler.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
