Discover the Great Travel Credit Cards for Smart Travelers

On the American Express secure site

Spotlight

The Amex Gold Card stands out by delivering over $400 in statement credits annually, enhancing your travel and dining experiences.

Credit score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: See Pay Over Time APR
Annual fee: $325
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points

See rates and fees, terms apply. Read our comprehensive American Express® Gold Card review.

Expert Analysis

The American Express Gold Card is highly recommended for individuals who frequently dine out and shop at U.S. supermarkets. It’s designed to maximize Membership Rewards® points accumulation in these everyday spending categories.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

Potential to earn over $400 annually in dining and rideshare credits (Enrollment required for select benefits).
Exceptional rewards on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases.
No foreign transaction fees for international spending.

Cons:

Higher annual fee compared to many travel cards.
Credit redemption can be complex due to monthly or semi-annual disbursement.

Key Card Features

Highlights

Issuer-provided highlights not reviewed by CNBC Select editorial staff.

Welcome Offer: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Dining Rewards: 4X points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X).
U.S. Supermarket Rewards: 4X points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X).
Flight Rewards: 3X points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
Hotel Rewards: 2X points per dollar on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases on AmexTravel.com.
Everyday Spending: 1X point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Uber Cash: $120 annually in Uber Cash, distributed monthly ($10/month). Amex Card must be payment method for Uber to redeem benefit.
Dunkin’ Credit: $84 annual Dunkin’ credit ($7 monthly statement credits at U.S. Dunkin’ locations, enrollment required).
Resy Credit: $100 annual Resy credit ($50 semi-annually for U.S. Resy restaurants or eligible Resy purchases, enrollment required).
Dining Credit: $120 annual dining credit ($10 monthly statement credits at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys, enrollment required).
Hotel Collection: Access to 1,000+ upscale hotels with The Hotel Collection, including a $100 credit on eligible charges for two-night bookings via AmexTravel.com.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee: $325.
Confident Application: Check approval odds without credit score impact.

Foreign transaction fee

None

Ideal For: The American Express® Gold Card is perfectly suited for travelers who are also avid diners, offering rich rewards on both travel and dining expenses.

Standout Benefits: Benefit from over $400 in annual value through dining and rideshare credits. Points can be transferred to a wide array of airline and hotel partners.

American Express® High Yield Savings Account

Pro Tip: Enhance your Amex experience by pairing this card with an Amex bank account for integrated financial management.

Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and are selected based on factors including engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.

American Express High Yield Savings Account

Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 3.80% APY (as of 12/17/2024)
Minimum balance to open: $0

American Express® Rewards Checking Account

American Express National Bank is a Member FDIC. Terms apply.

American Express Rewards Checking Account

Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 1.00% APY (as of 06/24/2024)
Minimum balance to open: $0

American Express National Bank is a Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Best Travel Credit Card for Welcome Bonuses

[

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card](https://oc.brcclx.com/t?lid=26664484)

On Chase’s secure site

Spotlight

Maximize your rewards with Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card—points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase TravelSM.

Credit score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: 20.49% – 27.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers
Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points

Terms apply. Read our expert Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.

Expert Analysis

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card delivers exceptional value for its $95 annual fee, offering annual travel credits, extensive travel protections, and more.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

Transfer rewards to Chase’s extensive travel partner network, including World of Hyatt and Southwest Rapid Rewards.
Comprehensive travel and shopping protections.
$50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit.

Cons:

Annual fee applies.
Requires a good to excellent credit score.

Key Card Features

Highlights

Issuer-provided highlights not reviewed by CNBC Select editorial staff.

Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earning Rewards: 5x on travel via Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming, and online groceries, 2x on other travel, 1x on all other purchases.
Redemption Bonus: 25% bonus value when redeeming for travel through Chase Travel℠.
Travel Protections: Includes Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance, and more.
DashPass Access: Complimentary DashPass for $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year (activate by 12/31/2027).
Member FDIC.

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Ideal For: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a favorite among travelers seeking a robust travel rewards program and valuable perks, especially known for its generous welcome bonus.

Standout Benefits: Offers up to $50 in Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and baggage and trip delay insurance, plus a 10% points boost annually.

Pro Tip: Pair this card with a Chase bank account for streamlined banking and rewards management.

Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and are selected based on factors including engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.

Chase Total Checking®

Chase Total Checking®

Minimum balance to open: $0
Free ATM network: Access to over 4,700 branches and 15,000 ATMs nationwide.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Chase Secure Banking℠

Chase Secure Banking℠

Minimum balance to open: $0
Free ATM network: Access to 15,000 Chase ATMs and 4,700 branches, plus mobile and online banking.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Best Travel Credit Card for Low Annual Fees

[

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card](https://www.cnbc.com/select/capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card/)

Learn More

CNBC Select Rating: 5.0

Credit score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.24% variable
Annual fee: $95
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Terms apply. Read our detailed Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review.

Expert Analysis

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a superb choice for both beginners and frequent travelers, offering flexible travel rewards with a reasonable annual fee.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

Generous welcome offer valued at least $750 in travel.
Transfer miles to over 15 Capital One partners, including Emirates Skywards and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons:

Limited ongoing travel benefits like statement credits or lounge access.
Bonus spending category limited to Capital One Travel bookings.

Key Card Features

Highlights

Issuer-provided highlights not reviewed by CNBC Select editorial staff.

Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within 3 months.
Earning Rewards: Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase; 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Miles that don’t expire and no earning limits.
Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Flexible Redemption: Reimburse travel purchases or book trips through Capital One Travel.
Lifestyle Collection: $50 experience credit and premium benefits at Lifestyle Collection hotels and vacation rentals.
Transfer miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs.

Balance transfer fee

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Foreign transaction fee

None

Ideal For: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for those who desire a straightforward rewards system without the complexity of bonus categories.

Standout Benefits: No foreign transaction fees and up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership.

Best Travel Credit Card with No Annual Fee

[

Discover it® Miles](https://oc.brcclx.com/t/?lid=26664503&cr=28039&last_updated=1598307203)

On Discover’s secure site

Spotlight

The Discover it® Miles card offers a unique welcome bonus, matching all miles earned in the first year without spending minimums or earnings caps.

Credit score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: 18.24% – 27.24% Variable
Annual fee: $0
Welcome bonus: Discover matches all Miles earned in the first year.

*See rates and fees, terms apply. Read our Discover it® Miles review.

Expert Analysis

The Discover it® Miles is a highly rewarding credit card for everyday spending, especially considering it comes with no annual fee.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

Generous intro-APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
Simple rewards program for easy earning and redemption.
No annual fee.

Cons:

Lacks significant travel perks like lounge access or travel credits.
No bonus rewards for travel spending categories.

Key Card Features

Highlights

Issuer-provided highlights not reviewed by CNBC Select editorial staff.

Unlimited Bonus: Mile-for-Mile match in the first year with no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
Earning Rewards: Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar spent.
No Annual Fee.
Flexible Redemption: Redeem Miles for cash or statement credits for travel purchases.
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then 18.24% – 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR.
Online Privacy: Discover helps reduce online exposure of personal information.
Wide Acceptance: Accepted at 99% of credit card-accepting locations nationwide.

Balance transfer fee

3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Ideal For: The Discover it® Miles card is ideal for those seeking a generous rewards program and welcome bonus without any annual fee.

Standout Benefits: Unique welcome bonus with a mile-for-mile match in the first year. If you earn 35,000 miles, Discover matches it, giving you 70,000 miles or $700 towards travel. Plus, no foreign transaction fees.

Pro Tip: Combine this card with a Discover bank account for integrated financial solutions.

Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and are selected based on factors including engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.

Discover® Online Savings

Discover® Online Savings

Annual Percentage Yield (APY): 3.75% APY

Discover® Cashback Debit Checking

Discover® Bank is a Member FDIC. *Click here for important disclaimers and disclosures.

Discover® Online Savings

Rewards: 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.

Discover® Bank is a Member FDIC. *Click here for important disclaimers and disclosures.

Best Travel Credit Card for Fair Credit

Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards

On Credit One’s secure site

Rewards: 10X points on hotels and car rentals via Credit One Bank travel partner; 5X points on dining, gas, and travel; 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus: No current offer
Annual fee: $95
Intro APR: N/A
Regular APR: 28.99% Variable
Balance transfer fee: N/A
Foreign transaction fee: None
Credit needed: Fair to Good

See rates and fees. Terms apply.

Pros

Excellent rewards on travel purchases.
Accessible for those with average credit.

Cons

High APR.
No welcome bonus.

Ideal For: The Credit One Bank Wander Card is perfect if you have fair credit and want to earn significant rewards on travel, dining, and gas.

Standout Benefits: Earn 10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through Credit One Bank travel site, 5X points on dining, gas, and travel, and no foreign transaction fees.

Best Travel Credit Card for Authorized User Perks

[

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card](https://www.cnbc.com/select/capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card/)

Learn More

Spotlight

Add up to four authorized users for free, each receiving their own Priority Pass airport lounge membership (enrollment required).

Credit score: Excellent (740–850)
Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.24% variable APR
Annual fee: $395
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Terms apply. Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review.

Expert Analysis

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium card with a broad spectrum of benefits and a more accessible annual fee than other high-end cards.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

Substantial welcome bonus.
No foreign transaction fees.
Up to $120 statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Unlimited lounge access for cardholder and two guests to 1,300+ lounges.

Cons:

High annual fee.
No introductory 0% APR period.

Key Card Features

Highlights

Issuer-provided highlights not reviewed by CNBC Select editorial staff.

Welcome Bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
Annual Travel Credit: $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.
Anniversary Bonus: 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 in travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary.
Earning Rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals via Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.
Lounge Access: Complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounges and Partner Lounge Network.
Flexible Redemption: Use miles for travel expenses or transfer to 15+ loyalty programs.
Premier Collection: $100 experience credit and premium benefits at Premier Collection hotels and vacation rentals.
Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.

Balance transfer fee

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Ideal For: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is ideal for those seeking premium benefits at a more accessible price point, especially beneficial for families or groups due to authorized user perks.

Standout Benefits: $300 Capital One Travel credit, 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit, complimentary cell phone insurance, and extensive airport lounge access, plus free authorized users.

Best Travel Credit Card for Rent Rewards

Bilt Mastercard®

Rewards: Earn points using the card 5 times per statement period: 1x points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points per year), 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x points on other purchases
Welcome bonus: None
Annual fee: None
Intro APR: N/A
Regular APR: See Terms
Balance transfer fee: Up to 5% (min $5)
Foreign transaction fee: None
Credit needed: Excellent/Good

See rates/fees and rewards/benefits; terms apply.

Pros

No annual fee.
Solid rewards on broad spending categories.
Pay rent with no transaction fees.
1:1 point transfer to leading frequent traveler programs.

Cons

No welcome offer.

Ideal For: If you rent, the Bilt Mastercard® is essential for earning travel rewards on rent payments without transaction fees.

Standout Benefits: Unique ability to earn rewards on rent, integrated award search engines point.me and Awayz, and BiltProtect feature for responsible rent payment.

Best Travel Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access

[

The Platinum Card® from American Express](https://oc.brcclx.com/t/?lid=26664558&cr=28038&last_updated=1598306940)

On the American Express secure site

Spotlight

The Amex Platinum Card offers unparalleled airport lounge access, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Lufthansa Lounges, and Escape Lounges (enrollment required).

Credit score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: See Pay Over Time APR
Annual fee: $695
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first six months.

See rates and fees, terms apply. Read our in-depth Amex Platinum Card review.

Expert Analysis

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium card packed with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, and elite status perks.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

Access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ Select and Amex Centurion lounges.
Statement credit offers potentially exceeding the annual fee cost.
Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars.

Cons:

High annual fee.
Statement credits can be complex to utilize fully due to increments and specific purchase limitations.

Key Card Features

Highlights

Issuer-provided highlights not reviewed by CNBC Select editorial staff.

Welcome Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in 6 months.
Earning Rewards: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via AmexTravel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Annual statement credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Up to $20 monthly statement credits on select digital entertainment services (enrollment required).
Global Lounge Collection®: Access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Credit for Walmart+ membership fees.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Annual credit for incidental airline fees on a selected airline.
$200 Uber Cash: $15 monthly Uber Cash plus a bonus $20 in December.
$199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Credit for CLEAR® Plus membership.
Trusted Traveler Program Credit: Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fees.
Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Up to $100 annual credit for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases (enrollment required).
Global Dining Access by Resy: Exclusive dining reservations and experiences.
Annual Fee: $695.
Confident Application: Check approval odds without credit score impact.

Balance transfer fee

N/A

Foreign transaction fee

None

Ideal For: The Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for frequent, discerning travelers who seek to maximize travel comfort and luxury.

Standout Benefits: Unmatched airport lounge access, over $1,500 in potential annual statement credits, and automatic hotel elite status.

Best Travel Credit Card for Luxury Travel

[

Chase Sapphire Reserve®](https://oc.brcclx.com/t?lid=26667122)

On Chase’s secure site

Spotlight

With Chase Sapphire Reserve®, points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, enhancing your luxury travel experiences.

Credit score: Excellent (740–850)
Regular APR: 21.49% – 28.49% variable
Annual fee: $550
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points

Terms apply. Read our expert Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Expert Analysis

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a top-tier premium credit card, offering luxury perks and statement credits that effectively justify its annual fee.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

Access to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations.
Up to $300 in annual travel credit.
Transfer rewards to all Chase travel partners.
Top-tier travel and shopping protections.

Cons:

High annual fee.
Requires an excellent credit score.

Key Card Features

Highlights

Issuer-provided highlights not reviewed by CNBC Select editorial staff.

Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
Annual Travel Credit: $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases.
Earning Rewards: 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠ (after first $300 spent annually); 3x points on other travel and dining; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Redemption Bonus: 50% bonus value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠.
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Lounge Access: Access to 1,300+ airport lounges via Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 credit for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®.
Comprehensive Travel Protections.
Member FDIC.

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater

Ideal For: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is highly favored by frequent luxury travelers for its premium perks, extensive travel protections, and robust rewards program.

Standout Benefits: $300 annual travel credit, up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit, Priority Pass™ Select membership for airport lounge access, and generous travel and shopping protections.

Best Travel Credit Card for Bonus Categories

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

On Wells Fargo’s secure site

Rewards: 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines; 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual fee: $95
Intro APR: N/A
Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Balance transfer fee: 3% intro for 120 days, then up to 5% (min $5)
Foreign transaction fee: None
Credit needed: Excellent/Good

See rates and fees. Terms apply

Pros

Excellent rewards rate for hotel, airfare, and travel.
Strong welcome bonus.
Access to Wells Fargo transfer partners.
Built-in cell phone protection.

Cons

Fewer transfer partners compared to competitors.
No intro APR offer.

Ideal For: The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a comprehensive travel card with a great welcome offer, reasonable annual fee, and valuable bonus spending categories.

Standout Benefits: High rewards earning on travel spending, transferrable Wells Fargo points, and a $50 annual airline statement credit.

Best Travel Credit Card for Gas Rewards

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

On Well’s Fargo’s secure site

Rewards: 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; 1X points on other purchases
Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual fee: $0 annual fee
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
Regular APR: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Balance transfer fee: Intro 3% for 120 days, then up to 5% (min: $5)
Foreign transaction fee: None
Credit needed: Excellent/Good

See rates and fees, terms apply.

Pros

Access to Wells Fargo transfer partners.
No annual fee.
Excellent bonus spending categories.
Intro-APR for purchases.

Cons

No travel credits or premium travel perks.
Lacks key travel protections like trip delay reimbursement.

Ideal For: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is excellent for road trippers and everyday commuters, offering elevated rewards at gas stations and EV charging stations, among other categories.

Standout Benefits: Intro APR, no foreign transaction fees, cell phone coverage, roadside assistance, and travel and emergency assistance.

Explore Credit Repair Options

Travel Credit Card Alternatives for Building Credit

While premium travel credit cards offer fantastic perks, they might be out of reach if you’re still building your credit. Here are great alternatives if you’re looking to improve your credit score or need to manage balances over time.

For Bad Credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

[

Discover it® Secured Credit Card](https://oc.brcclx.com/t/?lid=26664506&cr=28062&last_updated=1598311588)

On Discover’s secure site

Spotlight

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a low minimum deposit starting at just $200, making it accessible for credit building.

Credit score: Limited to Fair (None–670)
Regular APR: 27.24% Variable
Annual fee: $0
Welcome bonus: Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year.

*See rates and fees, terms apply. Read our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.

Expert Analysis

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a top choice for earning rewards while you are actively building or rebuilding your credit.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros:

Exceptionally rewarding for a secured credit card.
Unique welcome bonus matching first-year cash back.
No annual fee.

Cons:

Credit limit is tied to your security deposit.
Bonus cash back categories have quarterly spending caps.

Key Card Features

Highlights

Issuer-provided highlights not reviewed by CNBC Select editorial staff.

No Credit Score Required: Easy application process regardless of credit history.
Security Deposit: Refundable deposit starts at $200, setting your credit line.
Credit Score Improvement: Proven to help raise credit scores by 30+ points.
Automatic Reviews: Starting at 7 months, for potential transition to unsecured credit line and deposit return.
Earning Rewards: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants (on up to $1,000 quarterly); 1% on all other purchases.
Online Privacy & Security Features.

Balance transfer fee

3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

The Discover it Secured Credit Card is perfect for individuals with no credit history or bad credit, requiring a refundable deposit starting at $200 to open. This deposit amount becomes your credit limit.

Discover automatically reviews accounts starting at seven months to potentially upgrade you to an unsecured credit line and return your deposit.

The card features no annual fee and a rewarding structure for a secured card: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 combined purchases per quarter) and 1% cash back on everything else. New cardmembers also get a first-year cash back match.

It also waives foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international use without extra charges.

Learn more: Discover it Secured Credit Card

For Saving on Interest: First Tech Credit Union Choice Rewards World Mastercard®

Choice Rewards World Mastercard®

On First Tech Federal Credit Union’s secure site

Rewards: 2X points on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods, and telecommunications; 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days.
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR: None
Regular APR: 13.50% – 18.00% variable
Balance transfer fee: None
Foreign transaction fee: None
Credit needed: N/A

Terms apply.

Pros

No annual fee.
Good rewards for everyday purchases.
No balance transfer fee.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

Balance transfer must occur within 90 days of account opening.
Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $344
Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $1,720

Rewards totals include points from the welcome bonus.

While aiming to pay off credit card debt is ideal, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard offers one of the lowest interest rates available, beneficial if you need to carry a balance.

It also has no foreign transaction fees and includes World Mastercard benefits like purchase protection and travel protections including trip cancellation insurance and rental car insurance.

Membership to First Tech Federal Credit Union is required, open to those affiliated with select organizations, current members, residents of Lane County, Oregon, or members of partner associations like the Community History Museum (CHM) or Financial Fitness Association (FFA).

The card earns 2X points on everyday categories like groceries and gas. Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, and merchandise.

Learn more: First Tech Credit Union Choice Rewards World Mastercard®

For Students: Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students

Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students credit card

Rewards: Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases
Welcome bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Annual fee: $0
Intro APR: 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers (within 60 days).
Regular APR: 18.24% – 28.24% variable
Balance transfer fee: 3% intro fee for 60 days, then 4%
Foreign transaction fee: None
Credit needed: Good/Excellent

Terms apply.

Pros

No annual fee.
Strong welcome bonus of 25,000 points.
Intro 0% APR for 15 billing cycles.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

Lacks student-specific benefits or incentives for responsible credit use.
Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $466
Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $1,528

Rewards totals include points from the welcome bonus.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students is excellent for students studying abroad or traveling during breaks. It offers 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.

It has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles, ideal for managing expenses over time.

Rewards can be redeemed as statement credits for travel and dining purchases.

Must be 18+ and enrolled in higher education to qualify.

Learn more: Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students

Comprehensive Travel Credit Card Comparison

	American Express® Gold Card	Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	Discover it® Miles	Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards	Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Bilt Mastercard®	The Platinum Card® from American Express	Chase Sapphire Reserve®	Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card	Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Credit score	Good to excellent	Good to excellent	Good to excellent	Good to excellent	Fair to good	Excellent	Good to excellent	Good to excellent	Excellent	Good to excellent	Good to excellent
Annual fee	$325*	$95	$95	$0	$95	$395	$0	$695**	$550	$95	$0
Rewards	Flexible travel rewards	Flexible travel rewards	Flexible travel rewards	Non-transferrable miles	Non-transferrable points	Flexible travel rewards	Flexible travel rewards	Flexible travel rewards	Flexible travel rewards	Flexible travel rewards	Flexible travel rewards
Standout benefits	Dining & Uber credits	$50 Hotel Credit; Points boost; Protections	Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; Protections*	Intro APR offer	For lower credit scores, travel accident insurance	Travel credits, lounge access, anniversary bonus	Earn points on rent payments	Lounge access, credits, elite status	Travel credit, lounge access, trusted traveler credit	$50 airline credit; Travel & Cell protections	Intro APR; Transfer partners; Cell protection

*For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
**For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

Explore more credit card offers in our credit card marketplace or find personalized matches via CardMatch™.

American Express® Gold Card – Deep Dive

Best for Travel Dining

Rewards Structure:

4X points on worldwide restaurant purchases, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. (up to $50,000 annually, then 1X)
4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually, then 1X)
3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com
1X point on all other eligible purchases

Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months.

Annual Fee: $325 (see rates and fees)

Key Advantages:

The American Express Gold Card provides over $400 in annual statement credits, including up to $120 dining credit ($10/month at select restaurants, enrollment required), up to $120 Uber Cash ($10/month, must add card to Uber account), up to $100 Resy credit (semi-annual, enrollment required), and up to $84 Dunkin’ credit (monthly, enrollment required).

Insurance coverages include baggage insurance, extended warranty, purchase protection, trip delay insurance, and secondary car rental loss and damage insurance (terms apply).

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Detailed Overview

Best for Welcome Bonus

Rewards System:

5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
5X points on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
3X points on dining, online groceries (excluding select retailers), and streaming services
2X points on other travel purchases
1X point on all other purchases
10% anniversary points boost
$50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 spend in the first 3 months, worth $750 via Chase Travel℠.

Annual Fee: $95

Key Perks:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred includes primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and baggage and trip delay insurance. It also offers a 10% annual points boost and up to $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus complimentary DashPass membership (enrollment required).

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Expanded Details

Best for Low Annual Fee

Rewards Program:

5X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X miles per dollar on all other purchases

Introductory Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months.

Annual Fee: $95

Notable Benefits:

Capital One Venture Rewards provides up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership. Additional benefits include extended warranty protection, travel assistance, purchase assurance, MasterRental Insurance, Master RoadAssist®, and trip cancellation/interruption coverage (terms apply).

Discover it® Miles – In-Depth Look

Best for No Annual Fee

Rewards Rate:

1.5X miles per dollar on all purchases

Welcome Offer: Discover matches all miles earned in the first year for new cardmembers.

Annual Fee: $0

Key Features:

The Discover it® Miles stands out for its simplicity—no annual or foreign transaction fees and a valuable intro APR offer.

Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® – Detailed Insights

Best for Fair Credit

Rewards Structure:

10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through Credit One Bank travel partner site
5X points on eligible travel, dining, and gas purchases
1X points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus: None

Annual Fee: $95

Main Advantages:

The Credit One Bank Wander Card offers rewards even with fair credit, no security deposit needed, and no foreign transaction fees, plus built-in travel accident insurance.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Deeper Dive

Best for Authorized User Perks

Earning Miles:

10X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel portal
5X miles per dollar on flights via Capital One Travel portal
2X miles on all other eligible purchases

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

Annual Fee: $395

Key Highlights:

The Capital One Venture X offers a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit, 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit, cell phone insurance, and access to Capital One and partner airport lounges, with free authorized user cards that also get lounge access.

Bilt Mastercard® – Expanded View

Best for Earning Points on Rent

Rewards Program:

1X points on rent payments (up to 100,000 points annually)
3X points on dining
2X points on travel
1X point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus: None

Annual Fee: $0 (see rates and fees)

Primary Perks:

The Bilt Mastercard allows rent payment via credit card without fees, offers Mastercard Luxury Hotels & Resorts benefits, trip delay reimbursement, rental car collision damage waiver, cell phone protection, and purchase protection.

The Platinum Card® from American Express – Detailed Exploration

Best for Airport Lounge Access

Rewards System:

5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel
1X point on all other purchases

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within the first six months.

Annual Fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

Top Benefits:

The Platinum Card from American Express boasts extensive benefits including $200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit, $300 Equinox credit, $100 Saks credit, CLEAR® Plus credit, digital entertainment and Walmart+ credits, worldwide lounge access, Uber Cash, and hotel elite status, plus comprehensive travel insurance and cell phone protection (terms apply).

Chase Sapphire Reserve® – In-Depth Analysis

Best for Luxury Travel

Rewards Earning:

10X total points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel℠*
10X points on Lyft (through March 2025)
5X total points on flights through Chase Travel℠*
3X points on other travel and dining
1X points on all other purchases

*After the first $300 spent on travel annually.

Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

Annual Fee: $550

Primary Advantages:

Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 annual travel credit, up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit, Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection perks, Sapphire airport lounge access, Priority Pass Select membership, Lyft Pink All Access membership, and DashPass access, along with top-tier travel and purchase protections.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card – Detailed Review

Best for Bonus Categories

Rewards Structure:

5X points on hotels
4X points on airlines
3X points on restaurants and other travel
1X points on all other purchases

Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months.

Annual Fee: $95

Key Benefits:

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card provides a $50 annual airline statement credit, cell phone protection, roadside dispatch, travel accident insurance, lost baggage reimbursement, and trip cancellation and interruption protection.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Expanded Insights

Best for Gas Rewards

Rewards Program:

3X points on travel, restaurants, gas stations, streaming, transit, and phone plans
1X points on all other purchases

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months.

Annual Fee: $0

Notable Perks:

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card includes Visa Signature® Concierge services, Luxury Hotel Collection access, cell phone protection, roadside dispatch, and travel and emergency assistance.

Comparing Travel Insurance Options

How to Select the Right Travel Credit Card

Choosing the best travel credit card involves understanding your travel habits and financial needs. Here are key considerations:

Annual Fee Analysis

Determine if an annual fee is justifiable based on the card’s benefits and your travel frequency. High annual fees can be worthwhile if the perks outweigh the cost.

Travel Pattern Review

Assess your travel style—domestic vs. international, travel frequency, and typical spending categories to match with a card that rewards your habits.

Rewards Program Evaluation

Choose a rewards program that aligns with your spending. Compare rewards categories, redemption options, and the overall value you can derive based on your spending habits.

Compare card benefits side-by-side, focusing on perks like lounge access and fee credits. Consider how you’ll optimize the rewards program and ensure you can manage your balance to avoid high interest rates.

Understanding Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards turn everyday spending into travel rewards, redeemable for various travel benefits. Three main types exist: airline cards, hotel cards, and flexible travel rewards cards.

Airline Credit Cards

Co-branded airline cards earn frequent flyer miles with specific airlines, offering benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and paths to elite status. Miles are best used for flights with the associated airline and partners.

Hotel Credit Cards

Hotel credit cards earn hotel points, leading to free nights and elite status within hotel chains. Luxury versions may offer statement credits and annual free nights.

Flexible Travel Rewards Cards

Flexible rewards cards offer points redeemable across various travel options or transferable to partner loyalty programs, providing versatility. Transferring points to partners often yields higher value, especially for premium cabin international flights.

Maximizing Travel Credit Card Rewards

Travel credit card rewards programs operate by rewarding card purchases with points or miles, redeemable for travel and other perks. Cards fall into categories like business, no-annual-fee, mid-tier, and premium.

Business Travel Credit Cards

Business cards offer enhanced rewards in business-relevant categories and tools for bookkeeping and integration with financial software.

No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

Entry-level travel cards without annual fees provide basic rewards and are a good starting point for beginners, sometimes allowing point transfers.

Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards

Mid-tier cards balance annual fees with good reward rates, welcome bonuses, and travel/purchase protections.

Premium Travel Credit Cards

Premium cards with higher annual fees offer extensive statement credits, luxury perks like lounge access, and superior travel insurance, often with higher reward earning rates.

Redeeming Travel Rewards Effectively

Redemption options include gift cards, statement credits, direct travel bookings, partner transfers, and merchandise. Partner transfers, especially to airline programs for premium flights, often provide the highest value.

Redemption value varies; aim for partner transfers to maximize point value, potentially exceeding two cents per point, especially for business or first-class international flights.

Best Practices for Travel Card Usage

Maximize your travel card by fully utilizing its benefits and understanding its costs (annual fees, APR). Set reminders for annual credits and aim to redeem rewards for travel for optimal value.

Using travel cards for travel purchases earns bonus rewards and often includes valuable travel protections like trip delay reimbursement and rental car insurance.

Alternative Credit Card Options

If travel is infrequent, consider cards focused on dining, groceries, or gas rewards. 0% APR cards are also beneficial for managing debt or financing large purchases without interest charges.

[

Citi Simplicity® Card](https://oc.brcclx.com/t?lid=26665688)