Embarking on the journey of travel rewards can feel like entering a new world, filled with points, miles, and perks. For beginners, the sheer number of travel credit cards available can be overwhelming. However, the right travel credit card can be your passport to unlocking incredible travel experiences, from discounted flights and luxurious hotel stays to valuable travel protections. This guide will navigate you through the Best Travel Credit Cards For Beginners in 2024, ensuring you start your rewards journey on the right foot.
Top Travel Credit Card Picks for Newcomers
Choosing your first travel credit card is a significant step towards smarter spending and travel savings. We’ve carefully selected cards that are user-friendly, offer substantial rewards, and provide excellent value, especially for those new to the travel rewards landscape.
Best for Everyday Spending: American Express® Gold Card
On the American Express secure site
On the American Express secure site
Spotlight: The Amex Gold Card stands out with over $400 in annual statement credits.
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 American Express® Gold Card review.
Expert Opinion: The American Express Gold Card excels at rewarding everyday spending categories like dining and groceries at U.S. supermarkets, making it a top contender for beginners.
Key Highlights:
- Generous Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
- High Rewards on Dining & Groceries: 4X Membership Rewards® points on worldwide restaurant purchases (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X).
- Bonus Points on Flights: 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Rewards on Hotels: 2X points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.
- Uber Cash Benefit: $120 annual Uber Cash ($10 monthly) for Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (Enrollment required, terms apply).
- Dunkin’ Credit: Up to $84 annual Dunkin’ Credit ($7 monthly statement credits at U.S. Dunkin’ locations, enrollment required).
- Resy Credit: $100 annual Resy Credit for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants (Enrollment required, up to $50 semi-annually).
- 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 Perks: Access to 1,000+ upscale hotels with a $100 credit towards eligible charges on 2+ night bookings via AmexTravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Who is it For? The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for individuals whose primary spending revolves around dining, groceries, and travel. Its robust rewards in these categories, combined with valuable statement credits, make it a powerful card for beginners looking to maximize their rewards on everyday spending.
Standout Benefits: The Amex Gold Card’s standout benefits include the significant annual statement credits for dining and Uber, which can effectively offset the annual fee for frequent users. The high earning rates on dining and groceries are particularly attractive for beginners who want to earn rewards on their regular expenses.
Pro Tip: Pairing the Amex Gold Card with an American Express High Yield Savings Account or Rewards Checking Account can further enhance your financial strategy within the Amex ecosystem.
Best for Flexible Travel Rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase’s secure site
On Chase’s secure site
Spotlight: Points redeemed for travel through Chase TravelSM are worth 25% more.
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 Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.
Expert Opinion: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card delivers exceptional value for its $95 annual fee, offering a blend of travel credits, comprehensive travel protections, and flexible rewards, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Key Highlights:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- Bonus Rewards on Travel & Dining: 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3X on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries, 2X on other travel, and 1X on all other purchases.
- Increased Redemption Value: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠. 60,000 points equal $750 in travel value.
- Travel Protections: 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 when activated by December 31, 2027.
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Who is it For? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is perfect for beginners venturing into the world of points and miles. Its moderate $95 annual fee is easily justified by the extensive travel benefits and flexible redemption options.
Standout Benefits: Standout perks include the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, a 10% points boost on your card anniversary, robust travel insurance coverages like auto rental collision damage waivers, baggage delay insurance, and trip cancellation insurance. The lack of foreign transaction fees is also a significant advantage for international travelers.
Pro Tip: Combining the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card with a Chase Total Checking® or Chase Secure Banking℠ account can streamline your banking and rewards management within the Chase ecosystem.
Chase Bank logos for Total Checking and Secure Banking
Best for Frequent Flyers: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Learn More
CNBC Select Rating: 5/5
Learn More
CNBC Select Rating: 5/5
Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.24% variable
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: Earn $250 in Capital One Travel plus 75,000 bonus miles
Terms apply. Read our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review.
Expert Opinion: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card strikes a balance between a reasonable annual fee and flexible travel rewards, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced travelers.
Key Highlights:
- Generous Welcome Offer: Earn $250 to use on Capital One Travel in the first year, plus 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months – equivalent to $1,000 in travel.
- Simple Rewards Structure: Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
- Bonus Miles on Travel Bookings: 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit: Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
- Lifestyle Collection Benefits: $50 experience credit and premium benefits on Lifestyle Collection hotel and vacation rental bookings.
- Transferable Miles: Transfer miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs.
- No Miles Expiration.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Balance Transfer Fee: $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance at a promotional APR.
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Who is it For? The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for those who prefer a straightforward rewards system without bonus categories to track. Its simple earning structure and valuable travel benefits make it a great starter card for frequent travelers.
Standout Benefits: The card’s standout benefit is the statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which is highly valuable for frequent flyers. The straightforward 2X miles on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees add to its appeal for beginners.
Best No Annual Fee Option: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Learn More
Learn More
Spotlight: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: 19.49% – 29.49% variable
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles
Terms apply. Read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review.
Expert Opinion: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a standout no-annual-fee card that still earns transferable miles, a rare and valuable feature.
Key Highlights:
- No Annual Fee & No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months – equal to $200 in travel.
- Solid Rewards Rate: 1.25X miles on every purchase.
- Bonus Miles on Travel Bookings: 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Transferable Miles: Transfer miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs.
- Introductory APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; then 19.49% – 29.49% variable APR.
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for the first 15 months; 4% thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Who is it For? The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is ideal for beginners hesitant about annual fees. It provides a low-risk entry point into travel rewards without sacrificing valuable benefits like transferable miles.
Standout Benefits: Despite being a no-annual-fee card, the VentureOne offers benefits similar to its annual-fee sibling, including no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage waiver, and access to Capital One Entertainment and Dining perks. The ability to earn transferable miles is exceptional for a card in this category.
Best for Earning Rewards: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
On Citi’s secure site
On Citi’s secure site
Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: 20.24% – 28.24% variable
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
Expert Opinion: The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card boasts competitive rewards rates and unlocks access to Citi ThankYou® transfer partners, significantly increasing the value of your points.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros:
- Unlocks point transfers to Citi ThankYou® partners.
- Generous bonus categories: dining, supermarkets, hotels, flights.
- Valuable welcome bonus.
- Cons:
- Annual fee.
- Secondary car rental coverage.
Key Highlights:
- Limited-Time Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Exceptional Rewards on Travel: 10 Points per $1 on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Bonus Points on Everyday Categories: 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel, Other Hotel Purchases, Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
- Annual Hotel Benefit: $100 off a single hotel stay of $500+ booked through CitiTravel.com annually.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Balance Transfer Fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Who is it For? The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is excellent for beginners seeking a high welcome bonus and easy point accumulation across various spending categories.
Standout Benefits: The $100 annual hotel savings benefit and no foreign transaction fees are valuable perks. The card’s access to Citi ThankYou® transfer partners significantly enhances the redemption value of earned points, making it a powerful tool for travel rewards beginners.
Best for Cash Back Flexibility: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
On Chase’s secure site
On Chase’s secure site
Spotlight: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: 19.49% – 28.24% variable
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back
Member FDIC. Terms apply. Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.
Expert Opinion: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a top no-annual-fee card offering generous cash-back rewards on everyday purchases and a lucrative welcome bonus.
Key Highlights:
- Intro Welcome Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy in the first year (up to $20,000 spent) – worth up to $300 cash back!
- Bonus Cash Back Categories: Earn 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on drugstore purchases and dining, and 3% on all other purchases (for the first year). After the first year, earn 5%, 3%, and 1.5% back respectively.
- Flexible Redemption: No minimum redemption for cash back, statement credits, or direct deposit.
- Introductory APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- No Annual Fee.
- Chase Credit Journey: Free access to monitor your credit health.
Balance Transfer Fee: Intro fee of either $5 or 3% for the first 60 days; then $5 or 5%.
Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Who is it For? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is ideal for beginners who prefer cash-back rewards and want a straightforward, no-annual-fee card for everyday spending.
Standout Benefits: The card’s standout benefits include the generous introductory cash-back offer and the flexibility to redeem rewards in various ways. While it has a foreign transaction fee, its strong cash-back earning structure and potential to pair with other Chase cards for travel rewards make it a valuable starter card.
Best for Average Credit: Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card
On Credit One’s secure site
Rewards: 10X points on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner; 5X points on eligible dining, gas, and travel purchases; 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 credit
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
Pros:
- Great return on travel purchases.
- Available to those with average credit.
Cons:
- High APR.
- No welcome bonus.
Who is it For? The Credit One Bank Wander Card is a strong option for those with fair to average credit seeking travel rewards. It offers a path to earning points while potentially rebuilding credit.
Standout Benefits: The card’s standout benefits are its high rewards on travel purchases and no foreign transaction fees. While it has a high APR and annual fee, it provides access to travel rewards for those who may not qualify for premium travel cards.
Best Welcome Offer: Discover it® Miles
CNBC Select Rating: 5.0/5
On Discover’s secure site
CNBC Select Rating: 5.0/5
Spotlight: Unique welcome bonus matches miles earned in the first year with no spending limits.
Credit Score: Good to Excellent (670–850)
Regular APR: 18.24% – 27.24% Variable
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: Discover will match all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
*See rates and fees, terms apply. Read our Discover it® Miles review.
Expert Opinion: The Discover it® Miles is a rewarding and straightforward credit card for everyday purchases, especially considering its no annual fee and unique welcome bonus.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros:
- Generous intro-APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
- Simple rewards program.
- No annual fee.
- Cons:
- Limited travel perks.
- No bonus rewards for travel spending.
Key Highlights:
- Unlimited Mile-for-Mile Match: Discover matches all miles earned in the first year, effectively doubling your rewards for the first year.
- Flat Rewards Rate: 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.
- Introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases.
- Discover Security: Free service to help remove personal information from select people-search sites.
- Wide Acceptance: Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide.
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers.
Foreign Transaction Fee: No foreign transaction fees.
Who is it For? The Discover it® Miles is perfect for beginners who want a simple, no-annual-fee travel credit card with a unique and valuable welcome offer.
Standout Benefits: The unmatched welcome bonus, which effectively earns you 3X miles on all purchases in the first year, is the standout feature. The 0% intro APR and no foreign transaction fees add to its beginner-friendliness.
Pro Tip: Pairing the Discover it® Miles with a Discover® Online Savings or Cashback Debit Checking account can create a cohesive financial ecosystem with Discover.
Discover Bank logos for Online Savings and Cashback Debit Checking
Best for Earning Rewards with No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
On Well’s Fargo’s secure site
Rewards: Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases
Welcome 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.
Annual Fee: $0 annual fee
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases
Regular APR: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee: Intro balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, 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:
- Limited travel perks.
- Lacks key travel protections.
Who is it For? The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card is designed for beginners who want to maximize rewards in numerous everyday categories without paying an annual fee.
Standout Benefits: The Autograph Card’s exceptional bonus categories, including restaurants, travel, gas, transit, streaming, and phone plans, are incredibly valuable for a no-annual-fee card. The 0% intro APR and no foreign transaction fees further enhance its appeal for beginners. Access to transfer partners adds significant potential value to the rewards earned.
Best 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 you spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, redeemable for a $250 statement credit.
Annual Fee: $0
Intro APR: 0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days.
Regular APR: 18.24% – 28.24% variable
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% intro fee for the first 60 days, then 4%.
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Credit Needed: Good/Excellent
Terms apply.
Who is it For? The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is specifically tailored for students new to credit cards and travel rewards, offering a simple and accessible entry point.
Standout Benefits: This student card stands out with its 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees. The straightforward 1.5 points per dollar earning structure and welcome bonus make it an excellent choice for students starting their credit and travel rewards journey.
Deep Dive into Our Top Beginner Travel Credit Card Recommendations
Let’s delve deeper into each of our top picks for the best travel credit cards for beginners, providing more details to help you make an informed decision.
American Express® Gold Card – Detailed Breakdown
The American Express® Gold Card is a powerhouse for rewards on everyday spending and offers statement credits that can significantly offset its annual fee. The Membership Rewards® points earned are highly valuable and flexible.
Rewards Structure:
- 4X Points: Restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000/year, then 1X), U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year, then 1X).
- 3X Points: Flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- 1X Point: All other eligible purchases.
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $325
Key Perks:
- Annual Dining Credit: Up to $120 in statement credits ($10 monthly) at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required).
- Uber Cash: Up to $120 annually ($10 monthly) for Uber rides or Uber Eats in the U.S. (enrollment required, terms apply).
- Travel Insurance: Baggage insurance, extended warranty, purchase protection, trip delay insurance, and secondary car rental loss and damage insurance* (terms apply).
- Hotel Collection Benefits: Special perks when booking through The Hotel Collection.
- American Express Experiences: Access to exclusive events and offers.
Redeeming Rewards: Membership Rewards® points can be redeemed for gift cards, statement credits, travel, and more, typically at a value of 0.5 to 1 cent per point. However, transferring points to Amex’s airline and hotel partners (like Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy) can yield significantly higher value, often around 2 cents per point or more.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – In-depth Look
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is renowned for its blend of travel perks, protections, and flexible rewards, all for a reasonable annual fee.
Rewards Structure:
- 5X Points: Travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025), and Peloton equipment/accessories over $150 (through March 31, 2025, max 25,000 points).
- 3X Points: Dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, wholesale clubs), and select streaming services.
- 2X Points: All other travel purchases.
- 1X Point: All other purchases.
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $95
Key Perks:
- Annual Hotel Credit: $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit for hotels booked through Chase Travel.
- Anniversary Point Bonus: 10% bonus on points earned each account anniversary year.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay insurance, travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, travel and emergency assistance, and roadside dispatch.
- DashPass Access: Complimentary DashPass subscription (activate by Dec 31, 2027).
Redeeming Rewards: Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. Transferring points to Chase’s travel partners (like Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, United Airlines MileagePlus, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt) can significantly increase their value to around 2 cents per point or more.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Closer Examination
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers versatile rewards, valuable redemption options, and travel-friendly benefits.
Rewards Structure:
- 5X Miles: Hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- 2X Miles: Every other purchase.
Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in the first year.
Annual Fee: $95
Key Perks:
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® Credit: Up to $120 application fee credit.
- Travel Protections: Extended warranty protection*, Travel Assistance Services*, Purchase Assurance*, MasterRental Insurance*, Master RoadAssist®*, and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage* (terms apply).
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Redeeming Rewards: Miles can be redeemed at a fixed value of 1 cent per mile for travel purchases or transferred to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners (like Air Canada Aeroplan, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Accor Live Limitless) for potentially greater value.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Deeper Analysis
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is exceptional for a no-annual-fee card, offering transferable miles.
Rewards Structure:
- 5X Miles: Hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- 1.25X Miles: All other purchases.
Welcome Bonus: 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $0
Key Perks:
- Travel Protections: Auto rental collision damage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection (terms apply).
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- 0% Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Redeeming Rewards: Miles can be transferred to Capital One’s partners or redeemed for travel purchases through Capital One Travel at a value of 1 cent per mile.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card – Expanded View
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a top choice for earning valuable Citi ThankYou® Points.
Rewards Structure:
- 10X Points: Hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- 3X Points: Restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations/EV charging, air travel, and hotels.
- 1X Point: All other purchases.
Welcome Bonus: 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $95
Key Perks:
- Annual Hotel Savings Benefit: $100 off a $500+ hotel stay booked through CitiTravel.com annually.
- Travel Protections: Trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, lost/damaged luggage, and car rental coverage.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Redeeming Rewards: ThankYou® Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, cash back, online shopping, and statement credits, typically at up to 1 cent per point. Transferring points to Citi’s airline and hotel partners (like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club) can yield significantly higher value.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Closer Look
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a no-annual-fee cash-back card with generous rewards on everyday spending.
Rewards Structure:
- 5% Cash Back: Travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, Lyft rides (through March 2025).
- 3% Cash Back: Drugstores, dining (including takeout and delivery).
- 1.5% Cash Back: All other purchases.
Welcome Bonus: Additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases in the first year (up to $20,000 spent).
Annual Fee: $0
Key Perks:
- Introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- DoorDash DashPass: 3 free months of DoorDash DashPass (activate by Feb 1, 2025).
- Travel Protections: Auto rental collision damage waivers, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, travel and emergency assistance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.
Redeeming Rewards: Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, etc. For maximum value, combine with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards to transfer cash back to travel points.
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card – Detailed View
The Credit One Bank Wander Card is a solid option for those with average credit seeking travel rewards.
Rewards Structure:
- 10X Points: Hotels and rental cars booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site.
- 5X Points: Eligible travel, dining, and gas purchases.
- 1X Point: All other purchases.
Welcome Bonus: None
Annual Fee: $95
Key Perks:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Travel Accident Insurance.
- Credit Line Increase Reviews.
Redeeming Rewards: Points are worth 1 cent each and can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, and more.
Discover it® Miles – Expanded Details
The Discover it® Miles is a no-annual-fee travel card with a unique welcome bonus.
Rewards Structure:
- 1.5X Miles: Every purchase.
Welcome Bonus: Discover matches all miles earned in the first year.
Annual Fee: $0
Key Perks:
- Introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Redeeming Rewards: Miles function like cash back, redeemable for statement credits, bank deposits, or travel purchases at a value of 1 cent per mile.
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card – In-depth Analysis
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card offers valuable features and bonus categories for a no-annual-fee card.
Rewards Structure:
- 3X Points: Restaurants, travel, gas stations, streaming services, transit, and phone plans.
- 1X Point: All other purchases.
Welcome Bonus: 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $0
Key Perks:
- Cell Phone Protection: When paying your monthly bill with the card (terms apply).
- Travel Protections: Secondary rental car theft and damage coverage, roadside dispatch, and travel/emergency assistance.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases.
Redeeming Rewards: Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, etc., at 1 cent per point, or transferred to Wells Fargo’s travel partners (like British Airways, Air France/KLM).
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students – Deeper Dive
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a strong starter card for students.
Rewards Structure:
- 1.5X Points: All purchases.
Welcome Bonus: 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Annual Fee: $0
Key Perks:
- Introductory APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- FICO® Score Access: Complimentary monthly access to your FICO® Score.
Redeeming Rewards: Points can be redeemed for statement credits towards travel and dining purchases at a fixed rate of 1 cent per point.
Essential Considerations Before Applying
Before applying for any travel credit card, especially as a beginner, consider these important factors:
- Credit Score: Most travel rewards cards require good to excellent credit (670+ score). Check your credit score beforehand to gauge your approval odds.
- Credit History: Issuers review your credit history, including the number of recently opened accounts. Chase’s 5/24 rule is particularly important to note.
- Annual Fees vs. Benefits: Evaluate if you can utilize the card’s benefits enough to justify the annual fee. Do the math to ensure the perks outweigh the cost.
- Spending Habits: Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits to maximize rewards. If you dine out frequently, a card with high dining rewards is beneficial.
- Welcome Bonus Requirements: Ensure you can meet the minimum spending requirements to earn the welcome bonus responsibly without overspending or accumulating debt.
Explore more credit card options in our credit card marketplace or receive personalized recommendations via CardMatch™.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Defines a Good Starter Travel Credit Card?
A good starter travel credit card offers flexibility in redemption options, including statement credits and the ability to transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners. Simplicity in earning and redemption is also key for beginners.
Will Opening a Travel Credit Card Affect My Credit Score?
Applying for a credit card results in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score. However, responsible credit card use, including timely and full payments, can improve or maintain a healthy credit score over time.
Which Travel Credit Card is the Easiest to Get Approved For?
Secured credit cards, requiring an upfront deposit, are generally the easiest travel credit cards to get approved for. However, these often come with fewer benefits and weaker rewards programs compared to unsecured travel cards.
Final Thoughts
For beginners, navigating the world of travel credit cards can be exciting and rewarding. By strategically choosing a card that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals, you can unlock significant travel savings and perks. Whether you prioritize cash back, flexible travel points, no annual fees, or specific airline/hotel rewards in the future, starting with one of the best travel credit cards for beginners is a smart move toward maximizing your travel experiences.
Consider if you prefer transferable points for airlines and hotels or if you are loyal to a specific brand and would benefit more from an airline credit card or hotel credit card.
Remember to always check your credit score and assess your financial situation before applying for a new credit card.
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Why CNBC Select is a Trustworthy Source
CNBC Select is committed to providing readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice to empower informed financial decisions. Our credit card reviews are based on rigorous, expert-led reporting, independent of commercial influence, adhering to strict journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for details on our selection process for the best beginner travel rewards credit cards.
Further Reading
How to Choose the Best Credit Card in 3 Easy Steps
5 Best Starter Credit Cards for People with Limited or No Credit History
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Our Selection Methodology
CNBC Select’s recommendations are based on analyzing over 250 major credit cards from FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions, widely available across the U.S. We evaluated cards based on rewards, fees (annual, APR, balance transfer, foreign transaction), welcome bonuses, perks, cardholder protections, application process, and reward redemption ease. Consumer spending data was used to assess bonus category relevance, and point/mile valuations considered transferability and cash-back options. For travel cards, we prioritized no foreign transaction fees, international acceptance, travel spending bonuses, and travel-related perks and protections.
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*For American Express® Gold Card rates and fees, click here.
*For Discover it® Miles rates and fees, click here.
*Eligibility and Benefit levels vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
*Capital One benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary. See Guide to Benefits for details, terms, and exclusions.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews, and recommendations are solely those of CNBC Select editorial staff and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any third party.
