Being a seasoned traveler, I have come to appreciate the immense value that the right credit card can bring to my journeys. It goes beyond just a means of payment; it becomes a tool that enhances my travel experiences in ways I never imagined. The joy of earning miles on everyday purchases and then redeeming them for flights or hotel stays is truly rewarding. Moreover, the exclusive perks that some of these travel credit cards offer, such as access to airport lounges or complimentary hotel upgrades, add a touch of luxury to my trips.
Let me share with you an overview of my top favorite travel credit cards. Each of these cards has earned a special place in my wallet for various reasons. I will delve into why I love them, discussing the unique benefits they provide and how they have enriched my travels. Additionally, I will outline the annual fees associated with each card, the enticing sign-up bonuses that come with them, and some insider tips on how to make the most out of the points or miles you accumulate.
It's worth noting that all the travel credit cards featured in this list are ones that I have personally used and tested. So, whether you are a frequent traveler like me or someone looking to embark on more adventures, I hope that exploring these credit card options will add a new dimension to your travel experiences.
1. Capital One Venture X
Annual Fee: $395
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases. Plus, enjoy unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass, up to $300 in annual travel credits, and a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus.
This card is the latest addition to my wallet, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. The Capital One Lounge at Washington Dulles (IAD) airport has quickly become one of my top choices, and a significant benefit is that you can also bring a guest in for free. Learn more about the Capital One Lounges. While the fee for this card may appear high, it can essentially cover itself if you travel often. This is thanks to the annual benefits of receiving 10,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $100 for travel) and a $300 annual credit. I recently used my travel credit on a rental car.
2. Bank of America Travel Rewards
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 25,000 online bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases with no expiration. Redeem points for a statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.
This was my very first travel credit card, and it’s a great option for beginners due to its no annual fee and straightforward rewards system. I don't use this card frequently, but I keep it active to help improve my credit score.
3. Bilt Mastercard
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 50,000 points after you make your first purchase within the first 30 days. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn points on rent payments without any fees, 3X points on dining, 2X points on travel, and 1X points on all other purchases. Points can be transferred to a variety of travel partners, making it super flexible for travelers.
Why It’s Great for Renters:
One of the standout features of the Bilt Mastercard is its ability to earn points on rent payments without any transaction fees—something that’s practically unheard of in the credit card world. Most credit cards charge a fee for paying rent, typically around 2-3%, which can add up quickly. With Bilt, you can pay your rent through the Bilt app, earn points on your largest monthly expense, and avoid these fees altogether.
Additionally, Bilt points are incredibly versatile. You can transfer them to a wide range of travel partners, including American Airlines, Hyatt, and United, or even use them towards a down payment on a future home. This makes the Bilt Mastercard a game-changer for renters looking to turn their monthly payments into free travel or even homeownership.
4. American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Select
Annual Fee: $99 (waived for the first year)
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 50,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $2,500 within the first 3 months. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn 2X miles on American Airlines purchases, dining, and gas stations, plus 25% savings on in-flight purchases, and your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights.
5. Hilton Honors American Express Cards
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn 7X points at Hilton properties, 5X points on dining, groceries, and gas, and 3X points on all other purchases. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Annual Fee: $150
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn 12X points at Hilton properties, 6X points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3X points on all other purchases. Plus, enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, 10 free Priority Pass lounge visits annually, and the ability to earn a free weekend night after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
I initially started with the Hilton Honors Surpass® Card because of the enhanced earning potential and added perks like Gold status and Priority Pass lounge visits. After a few years, I decided to downgrade to the Hilton Honors American Express Card to avoid the annual fee, while still earning Hilton points and enjoying Silver status. This strategy allowed me to maintain a valuable hotel rewards card while minimizing costs.
6. Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
Annual Fee: $350
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and hotels, 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1X miles on everything else. Enjoy your first checked bag free and main cabin 1 priority boarding, and receive a companion certificate each year upon renewal.
Each year, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of my companion certificate, a standout benefit of this card. The certificate entitles me to a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S., as well as to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America. To make use of the certificate, I need to account for government taxes and fees, which may reach a maximum of $80 for domestic round-trip flights and up to $250 for international round-trip flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Over the last few years, I have utilized my certificate to visit destinations such as South Dakota, Wisconsin, and other cities that are typically expensive to reach from the DC metro area.
7. United Gateway/Explorer Card
Annual Fee: $0 (Gateway), $95 (Explorer)
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months for the Gateway. Explorer typically offers 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: The Gateway card offers 2X miles on United purchases, gas stations, and transit. The Explorer offers 2X miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels, plus free first checked bag and priority boarding.
I started with the Explorer card and later downgraded to the Gateway, which still offers great benefits with no annual fee.
8. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 3 free night awards after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn up to 17X points per $1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent on combined gas, groceries, and dining each year, and 2X points on all other purchases. Plus, receive 15 Elite Night credits each year and an anniversary free night.
The card offers incredible value with a free night, which can be highly beneficial. For Marriott Bonvoy members, getting this card is a clear choice.
9. IHG Rewards Club Premier Card
Annual Fee: $99
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn up to 26X points at IHG Hotels and Resorts, 5X points on travel, dining, and gas stations, and 3X points on all other purchases. Plus, enjoy a free night after each account anniversary and Platinum Elite status.
Similar to the Marriott card, this card offers a complimentary night, which can be very advantageous. Typically, I can utilize this complimentary night for a stay ranging from $100 to $300.
10. JetBlue Card
Annual Fee: $0
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn 3X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X point on all other purchases. Enjoy 50% savings on in-flight purchases, making it a great no-fee option for JetBlue flyers.
11. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months. Terms apply.
Key Benefits: Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on dining, 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X point per dollar on everything else. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and you can transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs. Enjoy a $50 annual hotel credit for bookings made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
A Few Tips for Managing Your Credit Cards
1. Pay Your Bills On Time
Keeping up with your payments is crucial for maintaining a good credit score. Late payments can not only result in fees but also negatively impact your credit score. Moreover, a history of on-time payments can help you build a positive credit profile over time, making it easier to qualify for loans, mortgages, and other credit products with favorable terms and interest rates.
2. Keep Your Accounts Open
Having multiple credit card accounts open can actually be good for your credit score. It helps increase your available credit and lowers your credit utilization ratio, both of which can positively affect your credit score.
3. Use Points Tools to Maximize Rewards
Make the most of your credit card points by using tools like Point.Me, The Points Guy, Monkey Miles, MaxRewards, and AwardWallet. These resources help you find the best ways to redeem or transfer your points for maximum value. Be sure to check these resources regularly to make the most of your credit card benefits and travel rewards.
Point.Me: Helps you find the best flight and hotel redemption options using your points.
The Points Guy: Offers tips and strategies on maximizing your travel rewards and credit card benefits.
Monkey Miles: Provides insights and tools for redeeming points and finding the best travel deals.
MaxRewards: Assists in tracking your credit card rewards, identifying the best cards for your spending habits, and optimizing your rewards strategy.
AwardWallet: Tracks your points and miles balances across various loyalty programs, helping you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss out on potential rewards.
4. Take Advantage of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credits
Many of these travel credit cards offer credits to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. These programs can save you valuable time at the airport by allowing you to use expedited security lines. For example, the Capital One Venture X, Delta SkyMiles Platinum, and Chase Sapphire Preferred all offer this benefit, typically reimbursing the $100 Global Entry fee (which includes TSA PreCheck®) or the $85 TSA PreCheck® fee every 4-5 years.
5. Explore Great Offers in Your Credit Card’s App or Website
Many credit cards offer exclusive deals and discounts directly through their apps or websites. These offers can help you save on dining, shopping, travel, and more by providing additional cash back, points, or discounts. For instance, American Express offers deals in the Amex app, such as 10% back on hotel bookings, extra points for dining, or discounts at popular retailers. Similarly, Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal features deals like 5% cash back on grocery store purchases or bonus points for travel bookings.
Special Benefits for Military Members
Did you know that many credit card issuers offer fee waivers and interest rate caps for active duty military members, including reservists? Thanks to the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), these benefits can help you save money while you serve.
However, it's important to note that these benefits aren't automatic. You’ll need to contact your card issuer to request the fee waivers and provide documentation to verify your active duty status. This can apply to annual fees, interest rates, and other charges, making it easier to manage your finances while on duty. If you're in the military or know someone who is, be sure to take advantage of these protections.
Please note that I may receive bonus miles if you sign up using my referral links. As always, terms apply to the sign-up bonuses, so make sure to read the fine print before applying.
Get out and go with the right travel card in your pocket, and make the most of every adventure!
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