Traveling the world is an incredible experience, but it can also be expensive. Choosing the right credit card can significantly reduce your travel costs and enhance your overall journey. A travel credit card offers benefits like earning points or miles that can be redeemed for flights and hotels, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and other perks that make international travel smoother. This guide will help you navigate the world of travel credit cards and find the best option for your adventures in 2024.
| Card Name | Rewards & Benefits | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases; 2x points on all other travel; 1x point on all other purchases; 25% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance; Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver; Baggage Delay Insurance; No Foreign Transaction Fees. | $95 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after earning your $300 travel credit; 3x points on travel and dining worldwide; $300 annual travel credit; Priority Pass Select membership; Trip Delay Reimbursement; Purchase Protection; No Foreign Transaction Fees; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. | $550 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases; $300 annual travel credit; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit; Priority Pass Select membership; Hertz President's Circle status; Travel Accident Insurance; Purchase Security; Extended Warranty; No Foreign Transaction Fees. | $395 |
| American Express® Gold Card | 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; $120 Uber Cash annually (distributed monthly); $120 dining credit annually (select restaurants); No Foreign Transaction Fees; Baggage Insurance Plan; Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance. | $250 |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com; $200 hotel credit annually; $200 airline fee credit annually; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit; Priority Pass Select membership; access to Centurion Lounges; Fine Hotels + Resorts program; No Foreign Transaction Fees; Purchase Protection; Return Protection; Baggage Insurance Plan; Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance. | $695 |
| Citi Premier® Card | 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels; 1x point on all other purchases; $100 annual hotel savings benefit; No Foreign Transaction Fees. | $95 |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card | 2x points on travel and dining; 1.5x points on all other purchases; $100 airline incidental statement credit; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit; No Foreign Transaction Fees. | $95 |
| United℠ Explorer Card | 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays; 1x mile on all other purchases; Free checked bag on United flights; Priority boarding; 25% back on United inflight purchases; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit (every 4 years); No Foreign Transaction Fees. | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | 3x miles on Delta purchases; 1x mile on all other purchases; Complimentary Delta Sky Club access; Upgrade priority; First checked bag free; Companion certificate annually; Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit; No Foreign Transaction Fees. | $650 |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | 4x points on Hyatt purchases; 2x points on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from airlines, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships; 1x point on all other purchases; Free night award each year; Discoverist status; No Foreign Transaction Fees. | $95 |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is a great entry-level travel card. It offers a solid rewards program with bonus points on travel and dining. The points are valuable and can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, often at a higher value than cash back. The included travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees make it a worthwhile choice for international trips.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card: The Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel card with a higher annual fee, but it offers significant benefits. The $300 annual travel credit effectively lowers the annual fee. The card earns valuable points on travel and dining, and it provides access to airport lounges through Priority Pass. The travel insurance benefits are comprehensive, and the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit is a nice perk.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This card competes directly with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. It offers a generous rewards program, including high earning rates on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The $300 annual travel credit helps offset the annual fee, and the card also includes benefits like Priority Pass membership and Hertz President's Circle status.
American Express® Gold Card: The Amex Gold Card focuses on rewards for dining and groceries, making it a strong choice for foodies. While it doesn't offer a traditional travel credit, the Uber Cash and dining credits provide value. The Amex Membership Rewards points are versatile and can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: The Platinum Card is a premium travel card with a high annual fee, but it offers a wide range of benefits. These include annual credits for hotels and airline fees, access to airport lounges (including Centurion Lounges), and elite status with hotel programs. The card earns points quickly on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.
Citi Premier® Card: The Citi Premier Card is a good mid-tier option with a reasonable annual fee. It earns bonus points on common spending categories like restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels. The annual hotel savings benefit provides further value.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card: This card offers a straightforward rewards program with bonus points on travel and dining. The $100 airline incidental statement credit and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit add value. Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn even more points.
United℠ Explorer Card: This card is ideal for frequent United Airlines flyers. It offers benefits like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounts on inflight purchases. The card also earns miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card is tailored for loyal Delta Air Lines customers. It offers complimentary Delta Sky Club access, upgrade priority, and a companion certificate each year. The card earns miles on Delta purchases and provides benefits like a free checked bag.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card is perfect for those who frequently stay at Hyatt hotels. It earns bonus points on Hyatt purchases and offers a free night award each year. The card also provides Discoverist status, which comes with perks like room upgrades and late check-out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for earning travel rewards? The best card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X are generally considered top choices for their comprehensive rewards programs and travel benefits.
Which credit card has the best travel insurance? The Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express typically offer the most comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation, trip delay, and baggage insurance.
Do I need a credit card with no foreign transaction fees? Yes, if you plan to use your credit card while traveling internationally, a card with no foreign transaction fees is essential to avoid extra charges on your purchases.
What is a Priority Pass membership? Priority Pass provides access to a network of airport lounges worldwide, offering a comfortable space to relax and enjoy amenities before or between flights.
How do I redeem travel rewards points? Most travel credit card points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, or cash back. Check your card issuer's website or app for specific redemption options.
What is a travel credit? A travel credit is a statement credit that can be used towards travel purchases, such as flights, hotels, or rental cars. It's often offered as an annual benefit on premium travel credit cards.
Is it worth paying a high annual fee for a travel credit card? It depends on how often you travel and whether you can utilize the card's benefits. If you frequently travel and can maximize the rewards and perks, the annual fee may be worth it.
What is Global Entry or TSA PreCheck? Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are programs that allow expedited security screening at airports. Many travel credit cards offer a statement credit to cover the application fee.
How do I choose the right travel credit card for me? Consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and desired benefits. Compare the rewards programs, annual fees, and other perks to find the card that best fits your needs.
What are the benefits of airline-specific credit cards? Airline-specific cards offer benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on inflight purchases, making them a good choice for loyal customers of a particular airline.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for world travel depends on your individual spending habits and travel preferences. Carefully consider the rewards programs, annual fees, and other benefits to find the card that best aligns with your needs and helps you maximize your travel experiences in 2024.