Travel rewards credit cards are a popular way to enhance your journeys, enticing new cardholders with attractive welcome offers and, in many cases, waived annual fees for the first year. In an era of rising travel costs influenced by inflation, these cards offer a tangible way to make your travel budget go further.
However, the savviest travelers know that the real value of many premium rewards cards extends far beyond initial bonuses. A significant perk to look for is ongoing travel benefits, particularly “travel credit”. These credits, offered by a range of cards, can come in various forms, from airport lounge access and reimbursements for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, to annual statement credits specifically designed for travel-related expenses.
These travel credits can prove invaluable in diverse travel scenarios. They might be perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your stay at boutique hotels that operate outside major loyalty programs, or for covering the convenience of ride-hailing services when navigating a new city or heading back to the airport. The flexibility and application of these credits are key to understanding their true worth.
Credit card travel credits are not one-size-fits-all. They vary significantly in value and usability. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offer a generous, flat travel credit — up to $300 annually — applicable to a wide spectrum of travel purchases. This provides maximum flexibility for cardholders. On the other hand, cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express offer up to $200 per calendar year, delivered as statement credit, but specifically for non-ticket airline incidental fees on a pre-selected carrier (enrollment required, terms apply). Understanding these nuances is crucial when choosing the right card for your travel style.
This comprehensive guide will explore the landscape of credit cards that feature annual travel credits. We will delve into the specifics of each card, highlighting the amount of credit offered and, crucially, how flexibly these credits can be applied to your travel spending, whether for hotels, flights, or the myriad of other expenses encountered on your trips. By understanding the ins and outs of these “Credit Cards With Travel Credit”, you can strategically choose a card that truly elevates your travel experience and provides ongoing financial benefits.
A Detailed Look at Credit Cards Offering Annual Travel Credits
Many credit cards are now equipped with annual travel credits, specifically designed to alleviate some of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with travel. These credits act as a valuable tool to offset costs that typically require cash, effectively reducing your overall travel spending.
However, it’s important to recognize that the terms and conditions governing the use of these travel credits can differ substantially from card to card. To provide clarity, the following table outlines a selection of leading credit cards, detailing the annual travel credit they offer, alongside their welcome bonus and annual fee. This overview will serve as a starting point before we delve into the specifics of how these credits can, and cannot, be utilized each year.
| Card | Annual Travel Credit | Welcome Offer | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express® Gold Card | Up to $120 in Uber Cash for U.S. services (up to $10 Uber Cash each month) per calendar year. Enrollment required; terms apply | 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in first 6 months | $325 (see rates and fees) |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card | Up to $100 annual statement credit for airline incidental fees | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in first 90 days | $95 |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card | Up to $300 annual statement credit for airline incidental fees | 75,000 points after spending $5,000 in first 90 days | $550 |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | Up to $200 statement credits for incidentals on one selected airline per calendar year. Enrollment required; terms apply | 150,000 points after spending $20,000 in first 3 months | $695 (see rates and fees) |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | $300 annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel | 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in first 3 months | $395 (see rates and fees) |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Up to $300 credit for general travel | 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months | $550 |
| Citi Prestige® Card | Up to $250 for general travel | No longer available to new applicants | $495 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Up to $400 per calendar year (various categories). Enrollment required; terms apply | 150,000 points after spending $6,000 in first 3 months | $550 |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | Up to $200 statement credits for airline incidentals and up to $200 in Uber Cash per calendar year. Enrollment required; terms apply | 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in first 6 months (Targeted offers may be higher) | $695 (see rates and fees) |
| Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card | Up to $300 statement credits for airline incidentals | No longer available to new applicants | $450 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card | Up to $325 for general travel and dining purchases | 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in first 90 days | $400 |
The information for the Premium Rewards Elite, Citi Prestige, Hilton Amex Aspire, Ritz-Carlton and U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
American Express Gold Card
The Amex Gold card is widely recognized for its exceptional rewards on dining and groceries, but it also incorporates valuable travel-related benefits, including a form of travel credit.
Annual Travel Credit: Cardholders can receive up to $120 in Uber Cash annually. This is distributed monthly, with up to $10 in Uber Cash credited each month. This Uber Cash can be conveniently used for Uber rides and Uber Eats purchases within the U.S., offering significant versatility. Enrollment is required for this benefit; terms apply.
Current Welcome Offer: New applicants can earn 60,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. It’s worth noting that targeted offers may be available through tools like the CardMatch tool, potentially offering even higher bonuses, though these are subject to change.
Annual Fee: The Amex Gold Card has an annual fee of $325.
Other Benefits: Beyond the Uber Cash travel credit, the Amex Gold card offers a robust rewards program. Cardmembers earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). Additionally, cardholders receive 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, and 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked via amextravel.com. All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
The Membership Rewards points earned with this card are highly flexible, transferable to a wide array of 21 airline and hotel partners. Further enhancing its dining focus, the card also offers up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly (up to $120 annually) when using the Amex Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required, terms apply). Additional statement credits are available for Dunkin’ Donuts and Resy purchases.
For a comprehensive understanding, you can read a full review of the American Express Gold card.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card is a solid option for travelers, particularly those who are part of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, which can significantly boost the value of the rewards earned.
Annual Travel Credit: This card provides up to $100 annually in statement credits specifically for airline incidental fees. These fees can include common travel expenses such as checked baggage charges, seat selection fees, or costs associated with upgrades.
Current Welcome Offer: New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: The Bank of America Premium Rewards card has a reasonable annual fee of $95.
Other Benefits: The card offers a competitive rewards structure, earning 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. The value proposition is significantly enhanced for members of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program, who can receive bonus rewards ranging from 25% to 75% depending on their qualifying balances with Bank of America and Merrill.
Points redemption options are versatile, including statement credits, gift cards, travel purchases through the Bank of America Travel Center, or deposits into a Bank of America account, all at a rate of 1 cent per point. The card also waives foreign transaction fees and offers reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees (up to $100) once every four years.
For a deeper dive, consider reading a full review of the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card.
Apply here: Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card
While carrying a higher annual fee, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card can present compelling value, especially for individuals deeply integrated within the Bank of America financial ecosystem and seeking enhanced travel benefits.
Annual Travel Credit: The Premium Rewards Elite card offers a substantial $300 annual statement credit, designated for airline incidental fees. Similar to the standard Premium Rewards card, these fees encompass baggage charges, seat upgrades, and similar airline-related costs.
Current Welcome Offer: New applicants can earn 75,000 bonus points after meeting a spending requirement of $5,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: This premium card carries an annual fee of $550.
Other Benefits: The rewards earning structure mirrors the standard Premium Rewards card, with 2 points per dollar on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. The Preferred Rewards bonus for eligible Bank of America customers, ranging from 25% to 75%, also applies to this card, further amplifying earnings potential. Point redemption options remain consistent, including statement credits, gift cards, travel bookings through the Bank of America Travel Center, and deposits into Bank of America accounts.
Elite cardholders gain access to a 20% discount when redeeming points for airfare through the Travel Center, along with reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees (up to $100 every four years). Additionally, the card provides up to $150 annually in statement credits for eligible lifestyle purchases, spanning video streaming services, food delivery, and ride-hailing services.
Related: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
For business owners with significant monthly expenditures, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express presents a powerful suite of benefits, including a valuable travel credit and rewards tailored for business needs.
Annual Travel Credit: Cardholders are eligible for up to $200 annually in statement credits to cover airline incidental fees. This credit applies to a single, pre-selected airline each calendar year, allowing for focused savings on your preferred carrier.
Current Welcome Offer: New business cardholders can earn a substantial 150,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
Annual Fee: The Business Platinum Card has an annual fee of $695.
Other Benefits: The Business Platinum card shares many benefits with the personal version of the Platinum Card, while also incorporating unique advantages for business expenses. It provides annual statement credits applicable to business and travel expenses with select companies like Dell, Adobe, and Clear Plus.
The rewards structure is geared towards business spending, offering 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. Cardmembers also earn 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases in select business categories and on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year). All other eligible purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
A notable benefit is a 35% points rebate when redeeming points for airfare booked through Amex Travel (up to 1 million points per calendar year). This rebate applies to flights on the cardholder’s selected qualifying airline or for business- or first-class tickets on any airline.
For a detailed analysis, consider reading a full review of the Amex Business Platinum card.
Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X card has quickly become a leading contender in the premium travel card market, offering a compelling combination of benefits, including a straightforward travel credit.
Annual Travel Credit: Venture X cardholders receive a $300 annual travel credit specifically for bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal. This credit offers simplicity in redemption, directly applying to travel booked within Capital One’s platform.
Current Welcome Offer: New cardmembers can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Annual Fee: The Capital One Venture X carries an annual fee of $395 (see rates and fees).
Other Benefits: The Venture X card has gained significant attention in the travel rewards community for its rich benefits package. Cardholders earn 10 miles per dollar on hotel and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through the portal, and 2 miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Capital One miles offer valuable flexibility through transfers to over 15 airline and hotel loyalty programs, including prominent names like Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles. Additional Venture X benefits include unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges, statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and the ability to add authorized users at no additional cost (sharing lounge benefits). Cardholders also receive 10,000 bonus miles as an anniversary bonus each year.
For a deeper understanding, refer to a full review of the Capital One Venture X.
Apply here: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a consistently top-recommended credit card, renowned for its comprehensive travel rewards and benefits, including a highly flexible travel credit.
Annual Travel Credit: The Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit that functions as reimbursement for a wide array of travel purchases charged to the card each account anniversary year. This credit is applied automatically to the first $300 spent on travel-related expenses, providing exceptional ease of use. Purchases covered by this credit, however, do not earn bonus points.
Current Welcome Offer: New cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual Fee: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550.
Other Benefits: Widely recognized as a leading all-around travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a suite of premium benefits. Beyond the annual travel statement credit, cardholders earn impressive rewards: 10 points per dollar on car rentals and hotels booked through Chase Travel℠, 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides (through March 2025), 5 points per dollar on flights booked through Chase Travel, and 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining worldwide. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
Ultimate Rewards points offer substantial value, transferable to 11 airline partners and 3 hotel partners, including Southwest, Air Canada, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott. Points can also be redeemed directly through Chase Travel at a rate of 1.5 cents per point.
Lounge access is a significant perk, with Priority Pass membership and reimbursement (up to $100) for Nexus, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years. Additional benefits include complimentary memberships with Lyft Pink (for two years, activation required) and DashPass from DoorDash (activation required by Dec. 31, 2027), along with robust travel protections.
For an in-depth look, refer to a full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Citi Prestige Card
Although the Citi Prestige® Card is no longer available to new applicants, it remains a valuable card for existing cardholders, offering notable travel benefits, including a versatile travel credit.
Annual Travel Credit: Citi Prestige cardholders benefit from a generous $250 annual travel statement credit, applicable to a broad range of travel purchases. This includes airline tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, commuter transportation (subways, taxis, train tickets, and more). The credit is applied automatically, simplifying the redemption process.
Current Welcome Offer: This card is not currently available to new applicants.
Annual Fee: The Citi Prestige Card has an annual fee of $495.
Other Benefits: Citi Prestige cardholders enjoy exceptional rewards earning rates, including 5 points per dollar at restaurants, on air travel, and with travel agencies. Cardholders also earn 3 points per dollar at hotels and on cruise lines, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Citi ThankYou points offer extensive transfer options to 20 airline and hotel partner programs, including Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Wyndham Rewards. Additional benefits include Priority Pass lounge access and a valuable fourth-night-free benefit on hotel stays (up to two stays per year when booked through Citi concierge or ThankYou.com). The card also waives foreign transaction fees and offers reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every five years.
Learn more: Citi Prestige
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is Hilton’s premier credit card, designed to cater to frequent Hilton guests with a rich array of benefits, including tiered travel credits.
Annual Travel Credit: Aspire cardholders can receive up to $400 in travel credits per calendar year, structured in different categories. This includes up to $200 semi-annually for eligible purchases at Hilton Resorts and up to $200 annually for flight purchases made directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (distributed as up to $50 per quarter). Enrollment is required for these credits; terms apply.
Current Welcome Offer: New applicants can earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months of card membership.
Annual Fee: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has an annual fee of $550.
Other Benefits: The Aspire card offers exceptional rewards within the Hilton ecosystem, earning 14 points per dollar on Hilton purchases, 7 points per dollar on flights booked through Amex Travel or directly with airlines, on car rentals, and at U.S. restaurants. All other purchases earn 3 points per dollar.
Cardholders receive automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status, the highest tier in the Hilton loyalty program, and an annual free night reward certificate. Additionally, cardmembers can receive up to $100 in credits for qualifying charges at participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts when booking stays of two nights or longer (enrollment required for select benefits, terms apply).
Learn more: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
The Platinum Card from American Express
While its annual fee might raise eyebrows, The Platinum Card® from American Express justifies its cost with a wide spectrum of premium benefits, including multiple travel credits and luxury perks.
Annual Travel Credit: Platinum cardholders can access up to a $200 statement credit annually for airline incidental fees with a pre-selected airline. It’s important to note that airfare itself is excluded from this credit. Additionally, cardmembers can receive up to $200 in annual Uber Cash (for U.S. services, distributed monthly). Enrollment is required for these benefits; terms apply.
Current Welcome Offer: New applicants can earn 80,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership. Targeted offers may be available through the CardMatch tool, potentially offering higher bonuses.
Annual Fee: The Platinum Card from American Express has an annual fee of $695.
Other Benefits: The Platinum Card boasts an extensive list of benefits. Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
Membership Rewards points provide access to a wide network of 21 airline and hotel transfer partners. Further value is provided through up to $200 in annual credits for select hotel bookings, up to $199 reimbursement for the Clear Plus membership fee, and statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. Lounge access is a major draw, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Delta Sky Club access (limited visits, Delta flights required). Hotel benefits include value-added perks through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
For a detailed review, refer to a full review of the Amex Platinum card.
Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express
Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card
While no longer available for new applications, the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card remains accessible through product changes for existing Chase Marriott Bonvoy cardholders, offering valuable travel benefits including a flexible travel credit.
Annual Travel Credit: Ritz-Carlton cardholders can receive up to $300 annually in statement credits for a range of airline-related expenses. This includes airline lounge day passes or memberships, seat upgrades, baggage fees, inflight Wi-Fi or entertainment, and inflight meals. Redemption requires contacting Chase to manually request these credits.
Current Welcome Offer: This card is not currently open to new applicants.
Annual Fee: The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee of $450.
Other Benefits: Beyond the travel credit, the Ritz-Carlton Card provides additional value for travelers. Benefits include an annual free night award (worth up to 50,000 points), a Priority Pass Select membership, and complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status. Cardholders also receive reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years and a $100 hotel credit for dining, spa treatments, or other recreational activities on paid stays of two nights or longer at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis properties.
Related: Best Marriott credit cards
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is often considered an underrated premium travel card, offering a streamlined approach to rewards and benefits, including a broadly applicable travel credit.
Annual Travel Credit: Altitude Reserve cardholders receive up to $325 annually in statement credits for purchases made directly with airlines, hotels, car rental companies, taxis, limousines, passenger trains, and cruise lines. Notably, this credit also extends to restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and bar purchases, adding significant everyday usability.
Current Welcome Offer: New applicants can earn 50,000 bonus Altitude Rewards points after spending $4,500 within 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card has an annual fee of $400.
Other Benefits: The Altitude Reserve card offers a straightforward rewards structure, earning 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel and car rental bookings through the Altitude Rewards Center, 3 points per dollar on travel and eligible mobile wallet purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Points can be redeemed for 1.5 cents per point towards airfare, hotels, and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center, offering a strong return value. Additional benefits include eight Priority Pass passes for airport lounge access, reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years, and waived foreign transaction fees.
Learn more: U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
Bottom Line: Leveraging Credit Cards with Travel Credit
Whether your preference lies with travel rewards cards that accumulate transferable points, cobranded hotel cards, or cards offering fixed-value points, a diverse range of exceptional options now incorporate annual travel statement credits.
Selecting a “credit card with travel credit” can be a strategic move, ensuring that you continue to derive substantial value from your card well beyond the initial welcome bonus period and the payment of the annual fee. These credits offer ongoing benefits that can significantly offset travel costs and enhance your overall travel experience year after year.
Related: 12 credit cards that can get you $1,000 or more in first-year value
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
