Traveling the world can be an enriching experience, but the costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, travel credit cards offer a fantastic way to offset these expenses by earning points redeemable for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. Choosing the right card can significantly impact your travel budget and overall experience. This guide explores the best credit card options for earning travel points in 2024, helping you make an informed decision.
Comprehensive Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Key Features | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and online grocery purchases, 2x on all other travel, and 1x on all other purchases. Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver. | $95 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | Earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3x on dining and travel worldwide; 1x on all other purchases. Points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. $300 annual travel credit. Priority Pass Select membership. | $550 |
| American Express® Gold Card | Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x), 4x points at restaurants worldwide, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x on all other purchases. Up to $120 dining credit (enrollment required). | $250 |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. Access to Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges. Numerous statement credits (e.g., airline incidental fee credit, Uber Cash). | $695 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Earn 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. $300 annual travel credit. Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges. | $395 |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Earn 2x miles on every purchase, every day. Miles are easily redeemed for travel or cash back. | $95 |
| Citi Premier® Card | Earn 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels. 1x on all other purchases. | $95 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x mile on all other eligible purchases. Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta. MQD Headstart. | $650 |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Earn 4x points at Hyatt hotels, 2x points on restaurants, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships, 1x point on all other purchases. One free night award each year after your cardmember anniversary at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort. | $95 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2x points on all other eligible purchases. One free night award each year after your cardmember anniversary (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points). | $650 |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is a popular choice for beginners due to its moderate annual fee and generous rewards program. The 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 3x on dining make it easy to accumulate points quickly. Redeeming those points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® gives them a 25% boost in value, making your travel dollar go further. The included travel insurance benefits provide peace of mind on your trips.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card: The Sapphire Reserve is the premium offering from Chase, with a higher annual fee but significantly enhanced benefits. The 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® are incredibly valuable. The $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces the annual fee, and the Priority Pass Select membership provides access to airport lounges worldwide. The 50% bonus when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® is a major perk.
American Express® Gold Card: The Amex Gold card focuses on everyday spending categories, making it easy to earn points without changing your spending habits drastically. The 4x points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide are particularly attractive. The up to $120 dining credit can help offset the annual fee if you frequently use eligible services. Keep in mind that maximizing the 4x categories requires strategic planning of your spending.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card is known for its premium benefits and perks. The 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel are a strong draw. However, the true value lies in the access to Centurion and Priority Pass lounges, as well as the numerous statement credits offered, covering expenses like airline incidental fees and Uber Cash. This card is best suited for frequent travelers who can fully utilize its extensive benefits.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: The Venture X card offers a compelling combination of rewards and benefits at a relatively lower annual fee compared to other premium travel cards. The 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel are very attractive. The $300 annual travel credit and lounge access further enhance its value. The ability to transfer miles to various airline and hotel partners provides flexibility in redemption options.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card is a straightforward option for earning travel rewards without complicated bonus categories. The 2x miles on every purchase make it easy to accumulate miles on all your spending. The simplicity of the rewards program makes it a great choice for those who prefer a no-fuss approach.
Citi Premier® Card: The Citi Premier card offers a balanced rewards program with bonus points on a variety of popular spending categories. The 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels make it a versatile card for everyday spending. The points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, providing flexibility in redemption options.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card is tailored for frequent Delta flyers. It offers 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x mile on all other eligible purchases. Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta is a significant perk, as is the MQD Headstart. The card is best suited for loyal Delta customers who frequently fly with the airline.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card is ideal for those who frequently stay at Hyatt hotels. The 4x points at Hyatt hotels and 2x points on several common spending categories make it easy to earn points for future Hyatt stays. The annual free night award at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel provides significant value. This card is a must-have for Hyatt loyalists.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: This card is designed for Marriott Bonvoy enthusiasts. The 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels is a substantial earning rate. The annual free night award (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) offers a valuable benefit. The card also comes with automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, which provides various perks during your stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for travel points? The "best" card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. Consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for premium benefits or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® for a more affordable option.
How do travel credit card points work? You earn points for every dollar you spend, which can then be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, or other travel expenses. Some cards offer bonus points for specific spending categories.
Are travel credit card points taxable? Generally, travel credit card points are not taxable as long as they are earned through spending and not through interest or other income.
What is the difference between miles and points? Miles are typically associated with airline-specific credit cards, while points are more general and can be used across various travel providers. Often, "miles" and "points" are used interchangeably in marketing materials.
Should I choose a card with an annual fee? Consider whether the benefits and rewards outweigh the annual fee. If you can maximize the card's perks, an annual fee can be worthwhile.
What is a good credit score for a travel credit card? A good to excellent credit score (670 or higher) is typically required to qualify for the best travel credit cards.
Can I transfer points to airline or hotel partners? Many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points to partner airlines and hotels, often providing better redemption value.
What are the benefits of travel insurance on credit cards? Some travel credit cards offer travel insurance benefits like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and rental car insurance.
How do I maximize my travel credit card rewards? Use your card for all purchases, take advantage of bonus categories, and redeem points strategically for the best value.
What is a sign-up bonus? A sign-up bonus is a one-time reward you receive after meeting a specific spending requirement within a certain timeframe after opening the card.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for travel points depends entirely on your individual spending habits and travel goals. Carefully evaluate the benefits, rewards, and annual fees of each card to determine which one aligns best with your needs, ensuring you maximize your travel rewards and enjoy a more affordable and rewarding travel experience.