Maximize Your Travel
If you’re traveling somewhere, don’t go without your travel credit card. Whether your wanderlust takes you all over the world or you’re just beginning to dip your toe into the world of travel, experts say that a travel credit card is one of the best resources that you can have with you. This article will explore the reasons behind getting a travel credit card as well as the various different options available to you.
Why Should You Get a Travel Credit Card?
Before deciding if a travel credit card is for you, you should understand why so many travelers in 2024 opt for them. Here are some of the major benefits:
Earn Rewards and Points
Many travel credit cards offer points or miles for every dollar spent, with higher rewards for travel-related purchases such as flights, hotels and car rentals.
Travel Perks and Benefits
Many travel credit cards offer attractive benefits such as airport lounge access, priority boarding and free checked bags. Not only do these perks save you money in the long run, but they can provide you with a more comfortable and calm journey.
Special Discounts and Offers
Many travel credit cards offer exclusive discounts with travel partners such as airlines, hotel chains and car rental companies. Some even provide access to unique events you might not have otherwise had access to, such as concert tickets, sporting events and culinary experiences.
Building Credit
Responsible use of a travel credit card is a great way to improve your credit score over time.
6 Popular Travel Credit Cards
These days, there are more travel credit cards to choose from than ever before. Each company offers unique benefits and regulations that are important to pay attention to. We recommended choosing which card you want based on your specific travel and financial needs and wants:
1. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Benefits of This Card
- Sign-up bonus: 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards: Up to 17x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x on other travel purchases and 1x on all other purchases.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Perks: Free Night Award every anniversary, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 Elite Night Credits annually.
2. The Platinum Card from American Express
Benefits of This Card
- Sign-up bonus: 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards: 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 5x on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel.
- Annual fee: $695.
- Perks: Extensive travel benefits including access to over 1,300 airport lounges, up to $200 in Uber credits annually and up to $200 airline fee credit.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Benefits of This Card
- Sign-up bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards: 2x miles on all purchases.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Perks: Transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs, up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
4. Citi Premier Card
Benefits of This Card
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards: 3x points on air travel, hotels and gas stations, 2x on dining and entertainment, and 1x on all other purchases.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Perks: Points can be transferred to various airline loyalty programs.
5. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Benefits of This Card
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 through Chase Travel).
- Rewards: 5x on travel through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, 2x on other travel and 1x on all other purchases.
- Annual fee: $95.
- Perks: 25% more value on points redeemed through Chase Travel, travel insurance and $50 annual hotel credit.
6. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Benefits of This Card
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
- Rewards: Unlimited 3x points for restaurants, travel, gas, transit and even streaming services and phone plans. Plus, earn 1x points on other purchases.
- Annual fee: $0.
- Perks: Redeem points for travel, gift cards and purchases.
Check out some great travel insurance plans.