Terms and conditions apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress. com for more information.
The most productive credit cards offer much more than valuable rewards. They can help you save on foreign transaction fees, insurance, and other expenses. Premium cards go a step further with luxury perks like lounge access, flexible elite status, and Expedited Airport Screening Credits.
To help you find the best solution, CNBC Select analyzed the best rewards card for various desires and rounded up the cards of choice to determine if your credit needs some work. (See our methodology for more data on how we decide which credit cards are the most productive. )
On the secure American Express site
On the American Express secure site
The Amex Gold Card awards more than $400 in credits each year.
Good to Excellent670–850
View Offset APRs Over Time
$325
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points
See rates and fees, apply. Read our review of the American Express® Gold card.
The American Express Gold Card is ideal for earning valuable Membership Rewards® issues at restaurants and U. S. supermarkets.
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
None
Who’s this for? The American Express® Gold Card is a smart choice for consumers who love traveling and dining out due to its generous rewards rates.
Big perks: You can get more than $400 in annual price of the card’s meal and rideshare credits. The emissions you earn can be transferred to about two dozen partner airlines and hotels.
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An American Express® Rewards Checking account has a 1. 00% APY and no monthly maintenance fees. Plus, earn Membership Rewards issues on eligible debit card purchases (one point for every $2 in eligible spend).
$0
$0
$0
1. 00% as of 06/24/2024
More than 37,000 MoneyPass® ATMs
None
N/A
Yes
Conditions apply.
Click here to view terms and conditions.
On Chase’s secure site
On Chase’s secure site
Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase TravelSM.
Good to Excellent670–850
20.49% – 27.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers
$95
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Conditions apply.
Read our information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card packs a punch for a $95 annual payment card, providing annual credits, comprehensive protections, and more.
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Who is it addressed to? Chase Sapphire Preferred has an unwavering following among travelers for a travel-focused rewards program and a robust set of benefits. What makes this card shine the most is its generous welcome bonus offer.
Great benefits: This car offers many useful perks, including annual Chase Travel Hotel credits of up to $50, number one rental car insurance, cancellation and interruption insurance, and baggage and theft insurance. Cardholders can also get benefits of 10% issue bonus for every car anniversary.
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When you open a Chase Total Checking® account, you can earn a $300 bonus after making at least $500 in direct deposits within 90 days of account opening. You can also waive monthly maintenance fees with qualifying activities.
N/A
$0
$12 or $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period: Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment or FedNowSM network, (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network, OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account, OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.
With more than 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the United States and more than 15,000 ATMs.
None
$34
Yes
Conditions apply.
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N. A. FDIC Member
Good to Excellent670–850
19. 99% – 29. 24% variables
$95
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Conditions apply. Read our review of the Capital One Venture Rewards card.
The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card has a moderate annual payment and allows for flexible rewards, making it a wonderful card for beginners or ordinary users.
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
$0 Transfer APR, 4% of the transferred balance amount on record in your account with a promotional APR that Capital One may be offering you.
None
Who’s this for? The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is especially valuable if you want a straightforward way of earning rewards without juggling bonus categories.
Standout benefits: Travelers overseas can take advantage of no foreign transaction fees. Cardholders also get a credit of up to $120 to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership.
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On the secure Discover site
On Discover’s secure site
This exclusive welcome bonus matches the miles you earn during the first year, with no minimum spending needs or source of income limits.
Good to Excellent670–850
18. 24% – 27. 24% Variables
$0
Discover will be adjusted to all Miles earned at the end of your first year.
*See rates and charges, they apply.
Read our Discover it® Miles review.
The Discover it® Miles is a rewarding credit card for everyday purchases, especially when you consider that it has no annual fee.
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Who is it for? Discover it® miles are ideal if you’re looking for a generous rewards program and welcome bonus without paying an annual fee.
Standout benefits: Discover has a welcome bonus that’s hard to beat: It will do a mile-for-mile match of all miles earned the first year (for new card members in their first year only). If you rack up 35,000 miles within the first 12 months, Discover will match you with 35,000 miles. That’s a total of 70,000 miles or $700 toward travel. Plus, the card has no foreign transaction fees.
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If you need to do all your banking in one place, the Discover® Cash Back Debit Checking Account offers a debit card that earns 1. 00% cash back on up to $3,000 in consistent debit card purchases each month . You can also get generous cash back on your coins with a Discover® online savings account.
$0
$0
None
1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases per month. Check out the online page for more main points by clicking on “Learn More”.
More than 60,000 Allpoint® and MoneyPass® ATMs
None
$0
Yeah
Terms apply.
3.75% APY
None
None
Up to 6 free withdrawals or transfers consistent with the cycle
None
None
Yeah
Yes, if you have a Discover® checking account
Conditions apply.
Read our Discover® Online Savings Account review.
10x emissions on eligible hotel and car rentals booked through partner Credit One Bank; 5 times more problems in the eligible matrix that adds flights, meals and fuel purchases; 1X issues on all other purchases
No offers
$95
N/A
29. 24%* Variables
N/A
None
Fair to Good credit
See and rates. Conditions apply.
Who is it for? The Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card is ideal if you have fair or average credit and to earn generous rewards on your travel, dining and fuel purchases.
Standout benefits: You’ll earn a whopping 10X points when you book eligible hotels and rental cars through the Credit One Bank travel site (5X when you book and 5X when you complete the booking). This card also earns 5X points on flights, dining and gas purchases, so it’s rewarding for a wide variety of travel spending. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees.
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You can add up to four authorized users to your account no fee and they can each receive their own Priority Pass airport lounge membership (enrollment required).
Excellent740–850
19.99% – 29.24% variable APR
$395
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Conditions apply. Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card that provides a variety of benefits and a lower annual payment than other premium feature cards.
The highlights presented here are provided through the issuer and have been reviewed by the CNBC Select editorial team.
$0 Transfer APR, 4% of the transferred balance amount on record in your account with a promotional APR that Capital One may be offering you.
Who’s this for? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice if you want a premium credit card at a lower price than other high-end cards with similar benefits. Plus, up to four authorized users can be added for free.
Big perks: This card is packed with perks, as it adds $300 Capital One Travel credits on purchases made through Capital One Travel and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth at least $100 for the trip). Cardholders also get up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credits, free mobile phone insurance, access to Capital One airport lounges and spouse lounges, and more. Terms, situations, and exclusions apply. See your Guide to Benefits for more details.
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Use the card five times a day to earn emissions: Earn 1x emissions on rental bills with no transaction fees, up to 100,000 emissions each calendar year, 3x emissions on dining, 2x emissions on travel, and 1x emissions on other purchases.
None
None
N/A
See Terms
Up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5.
None
Excellent/Good
View rates/fees and rewards/benefits; Terms and apply.
Who is it for? If you rent your home and don’t have Bilt Mastercard®, you leave the problems on the table. Bilt Mastercard is the only card that allows you to earn rewards on rental bills with no transaction fees.
Big Benefits: Bilt makes it easy for even beginners to make the most of their problems by integrating the rewards search engines point. me and Awayz into their app. The BiltProtect feature also protects you against maxing out your credit limit or risking going into debt by collecting your rent every month.
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On the secure American Express site
On the secure American Express site
The Amex Platinum Card offers supplies for Amex Centurion lounges, Delta Sky clubs, Lufthansa lounges, Escape lounges and more. (Registration required)
Good to Excellent670–850
See amortization APR over time
$695
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® issues after spending $8,000 on purchases with your new card during your first six months of card membership.
See rates and fees, apply. Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium card with annual credits, entertainment benefits, expanded airport lounge access, elite prestige benefits and more. (Registration required for some of the benefits mentioned)
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
N/A
None
Who’s this for? The Platinum Card® from American Express is for road warriors who want to make their travels more comfortable. It grants you access to more airport lounges than any other card on the market and is loaded with other travel and lifestyle benefits that help justify its high annual fee (see rates and fees).
Standout benefits: Cardholders have extensive opportunities to earn over $1,500 in statement credits each year and enjoy ongoing benefits like automatic hotel elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy (enrollment required) and various travel and shopping protections. Even if you only take advantage of half of this card’s perks, it’s worth paying the annual fee (see rates and fees).
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On Chase’s secure site
On Chase’s secure site
Points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for bookings through Chase Travel℠.
Excellent740–850
21. 49% – 28. 49% variable
$550
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Conditions apply.
Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is an exceptional premium credit card with many luxury benefits and credits to justify its annual fee.
The highlights presented here are provided by the broadcaster and have been reviewed by the CNBC Select editorial team.
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
Who is it for? Chase Sapphire Reserve is incredibly popular among everyday travelers for its luxury benefits, comprehensive travel protections, and physically powerful rewards program. Although this card comes with a very high annual payment of $550, the assistance of numerous credits offsets the costs.
Big perks: This card offers $300 annual travel credits, covering everything from airfare and hotels to parking and tolls. Cardholders can also earn credits of up to $120 (every 4 years) toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fees, as well as enroll in Priority Pass™ Select for airport lounge access. Other benefits come with beneficial protections for travel and food purchases.
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Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines; 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases
Earn 60,000 bonus issues when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, or $600 on your next trip.
$95
N/A
20. 24%, 25. 24% or 29. 24% variable APR
3% introduction per day from account opening, then up to 5%, minimum $5
None
Excellent/Good
See and rates. Conditions apply
Who is it for? The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card has almost everything you could need in a card: a wonderful welcome offer, moderate annual fees, useful bonus spending categories, and significant benefits.
Great benefits: The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card will help you earn temporary rewards for your spending. You can transfer Wells Fargo issues to partner airlines and hotels, adding Choice Privileges, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Executive Club, and Air France/KLM Flying Blue. .
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Get triple unlimited emissions on restaurants, trips, gas stations, public transportation, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, get triple the emissions on other purchases
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
$0 annual fee
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases
19. 24%, 24. 24% or 29. 24% variable APR
Up to 5%, min: $5
None
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, apply.
Who is it for? The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is ideal for road trippers, offering top rewards at fuel stations, EV charging stations, and other categories of travel-related spending.
Great benefits: Wells Fargo Autograph offers a promotional introductory APR, no foreign transaction fees, wireless policy, roadside assistance and emergency assistance, and rental car damage and theft policy (secondary).
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A travel credit card can have out-of-this-world perks and benefits, but it won’t do much good if you can’t qualify. These cards might not provide frequent travelers the most rewards but can be a good fit if you’re looking to raise your credit score or know you’ll carry a balance from month to month.
On Discover’s secure site
On the secure Discover site
The Discover it® secured credit card requires a low minimum deposit of $200.
Limited to FairNone–670
27.24% Variable
$0
Discover will fit all the money you earned
*See rates and charges, they apply.
Read our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.
Discover it® secured credit card is one of the features to earn rewards while building your credit.
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
3% introductory balance transfer payment and up to 5% payment on long-term balance transfers (see terms)*
The Discover it secured credit card is ideal for anyone who has no credit or poor credit because you don’t want a credit score applied. Instead, you’ll need to make a refundable deposit starting at $200 to open the card. Any amount you deposit becomes your credit limit.
Seven months after account opening, Discover will review your credit card account to see if it can transfer you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
The card has no annual payment and features a generous rewards design for a secured credit card: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, Discover will adjust for the refund of money you earn during the first year, with no minimum spending requirements or adjustment limits. The cashback does not expire, and you can redeem your rewards at any time for credits, gift cards, products, and more.
There are also no foreign transaction fees, so you may not be penalized if you use it abroad.
Learn more: Discover it Secured Credit Card
Get double emissions on groceries, gasoline, electronics, medical products, household goods and telecommunications, and double emissions on all purchases.
Earn 20,000 issues when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days of account opening
$0
None
13. 50% – 18. 00% variable
None
None
N/A
Conditions apply.
Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus
While we suggest paying off your credit card debt, if you’re in debt, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard offers one of the lowest interest rates you’ll find on a credit card.
There are also no foreign transaction fees, a big plus when traveling abroad. As a World Mastercard, it comes with acquisition protection, Mastercard identity theft protection, and 24-hour global service if cards are lost or stolen. It also offers a variety of travel protections, adding vacation cancellation, travel accidents, baggage delays, lost luggage, and rental cars (secondary).
Membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union is required to apply, but anyone could enroll through a partnership with select organizations or employers, date an existing member, run or live in Lane County, Oregon, attend Cogswell Poly Technical College or register in the community. History Museum (CHM) or Financial Form Association (FFA). First Tech handles CHM and FFA contributions on your behalf.
The card earns 2X points per dollar on everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, electronics, household goods and telecommunications. Rewards can be redeemed at a fixed rate toward cash-back, travel, merchandise, gift cards and experiences.
Learn more: First Tech Credit Union Choice Rewards World Mastercard®
1. 5 unlimited emissions per $1 spent on all purchases
25,000 bonus issues online after spending at least $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening, which can be redeemed for $250 credits toward eligible travel and dining purchases.
$0
0% APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account
18.24% – 28.24% variable
3% of the initial balance transfers the transaction payment during the first 60 days after account opening, then 4%.
None
Good/Excellent
Terms apply.
Total rewards come with the emissions earned with the welcome bonus.
Bank of America’s® student travel rewards are a great option for students who plan to study abroad or travel during the holidays. The rewards program focuses on travel, and cardholders get 1. 5 issuances per dollar on all purchases.
In addition to having no annual fee, the Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students card charges no foreign transaction fees, which is helpful for academics who read or travel abroad. This card also comes with a special financing offer that is longer than average. . A full year without interest is a great way to pay off your new purchases in time, without incurring interest rates, we suggest you pay off your balance on time and in full each month.
Rewards can be redeemed as credits toward travel and meal expenses, an easy way to reduce the cost of spring break or buying a plane ticket home. You can redeem rewards at any time and for any amount.
You must be 18 or older and enrolled in school (college, vocational or trade school) to qualify for this card.
Learn more: Bank of America® Student Travel Rewards
*For fees and the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
*Effective 8/11/2024, an Amex card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to qualify for the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
**For rates and the American Express Platinum® Card, click here.
Find the credit card you need by reviewing offers on our Credit Card Marketplace or get personalized offers through CardMatch™.
Rewards:
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® issues after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases made with your new Card during the first 6 months after your membership.
Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)
Notable benefits:
The American Express Gold Card offers more than $400 in annual credits. For starters, you’ll get up to $120 in annual meal credits (up to $10 in credits per month at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine. com, and Five Chicos; registration required) and up to $120 at Uber. Cash (up to $10 in month-consistent credits) to use on rides across the U. S. You can choose from the U. S. and dine through Uber. Eats (you must have downloaded the most recent edition of the Uber app and your eligible American Express Gold card must be a payment method for your Uber account. The Amex benefit can only be used in the United States. From 8/ Starting 11/2024, an Amex card must be chosen as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction in order to get the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
On top of that, you can earn up to $100 Resy credit every calendar year (up to $50 back semi-annually; enrollment required), and up to $84 in Dunkin’ credit each year (up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations).
Qualifying purchases are eligible for the following insurance coverages*:
* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
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Rewards:
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus issues after $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This is $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
Annual fee: $95
Notable benefits:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers travelers many important protections, including primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and baggage and trip delay insurance. Travelers can also rack up rewards faster thanks to a 10% points boost on each card anniversary. That means if you spend $50,000 on purchases, you’ll get a 5,000-point bonus (worth $75 in travel booked through Chase).
Cardholders can take advantage of various credits for express purchases. The card grants up to $50 in annual Chase Travel Hotel credit. You’ll also get a free DashPass club and reduced service fees for at least one year if you activate before December 31, 2027.
[ Back to Card Summary ]
Rewards:
Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles by spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual fee: $95
Notable benefits:
Capital One Venture Rewards cardholders earn credits of up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership. Other benefits include access to extended warranty protection*, support services*, acquisition insurance*, MasterRental* insurance, Master RoadAssist®* and cancellation/interruption coverage. trip*.
*Benefit available to accounts approved for the World Elite Mastercard product, subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions in the World Elite Mastercard Guide to Benefits. See Account Terms or Application Terms for more details. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
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Rewards:
Welcome Bonus: Discover will adjust to the miles you earn during the first year, with no minimum spend or limits on how much you can earn with the adjustment.
Annual Fee: $0
Notable perks:
The appeal of Discover it® Miles is the simplicity of having to worry about paying annual fees or foreign transaction fees. The card also has a valuable introductory APR promotional offer.
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Rewards:
Welcome bonus: None
Annual fee: $95
Notable perks:
The Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card is special because it will allow you to earn rewards while building your credit score and does not require a security deposit. There are no foreign transaction fees when you use this card abroad. Eligible purchases are also covered through this card’s built-in anti-swipe insurance.
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Rewards:
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $395
Notable perks:
In addition to $300 in annual Capital One travel credits and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, Capital One Venture cardholders get up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credits, free mobile phone insurance, and unlimited access to Capital One lounges, as well as the extensive network of Priority Pass and Plaza Premium airport lounges around the world. You can load up to 4 legal users for free and all additional cardholders also get access to the airport lounge.
Terms and exclusions apply. See your Benefits Guide for more details.
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Rewards:
Use the card five times a day to get issues at the following rates:
Welcome bonus: None
Annual Fee: $0 (see and fees)
Notable benefits:
With the BiltProtect feature, Bilt Mastercard cardholders avoid running out of all credit limits or risk going into debt by charging rent to their card each month. Other benefits include access to the Luxury Hotels Mastercard wallet.
For a card with no annual fee, Bilt Mastercard offers an unexpected amount of in-app food purchases and insurance benefits, including:
*See the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card Benefits Guide for more details.
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Rewards:
Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 issues after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases during the first six months of card membership.
Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)
Notable benefits:
The Platinum Card from American Express has a maximum annual fee, but it also offers many benefits, including:
*Eligibility and obtaining advantages range of points through card. Terms, situations, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress. com/get Advantagesguide for more details. Underwritten through New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG company.
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Rewards:
*Once the first $300 is spent on purchases each year
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus issues after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual fee: $550
Notable perks:
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card members get up to $300 in annual credits, which covers more than part of the card’s annual payment. Additional benefits come with Global Entry payment credits up to $120, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS (every 4 years), elite- Similar benefits when booking hotels through The Luxury Hotel
Cardholders also have access to a wide range of limited-time benefits and credits, including:
Some of the simplest benefits are the top-notch travel and acquisition protections of this car, such as acquisition protection, extended warranty protection, return protection, number one rental car collision coverage, vacation retention protection, vacation interruption/cancellation insurance, luggage storage. Extra protection, travel insurance against destination turns, emergency medical and dental insurance, and more. Cardholders traveling abroad also don’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees.
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Rewards:
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 issues after spending $4000 on purchases within the first 3 months after account opening.
Annual fee: $95
Notable benefits:
Each year, Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card members earn $50 credits with a minimum $50 airline purchase. These credits cover more than a portion of this card’s annual payment and are applied to purchases such as airfare, baggage payments, and more.
You can also save money and increase your peace of mind by taking advantage of this card’s numerous insurance guarantees. Cardholders get benefits from those coverages:
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Rewards:
Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $0
Notable benefits:
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card provides access to the Visa Signature® Concierge and Visa Signature® collection of luxury hotels for elite-style benefits on hotel reservations, such as room upgrades upon arrival (when available), $25 on-site food and beverage credit. goods and loose breakfast. The card has no fees for foreign transactions and offers a few other benefits that you may find useful when traveling, including:
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There are a variety of travel credit cards available, from general to airline- and hotel-specific, and all the choices can make it hard to settle on one. Here are some tips on how to choose the best credit card for your needs.
Determine if you are willing to pay an annual payment. Some cards have a hefty annual payment of over $500, which can be great, but not for everyone. Do the math to see if an annual payment card is right for you.
Another key factor is the type of trip you take most frequently. If you’re traveling to the United States, it doesn’t matter if a card charges foreign transaction fees. But if you go to Mexico or Spain, it is essential to have a card with no fees for foreign transactions.
Rewards should also play a part in your decision. Do some research to determine which card offers a rewards program more geared toward your spending habits. If you usually dine out when you travel, consider the American Express Gold Card with 4X points on dining at restaurants. But if you want a competitive rewards rate on all sorts of purchases, the Discover it® Miles has no annual fee and unlimited 1.5X miles on every dollar of every purchase.
You can compare card benefits side-by-side to see if one card rates better. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, offers complimentary lounge access, while the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers cardholders a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Before you sign up for a travel credit card, consider how to use it and how to most productively maximize your rewards program, especially if you pay a high annual fee. It’s also vital to make sure you can pay off your balance on time and in full each month, as many of those cards have high interest rates.
Travel credit cards help you turn your credit card purchases into rewards you can redeem for Array. How you can use rewards and how many rewards you earn varies by card.
The type of rewards you earn, the cost of keeping the card and the card benefits depend on the type of travel card. There are three main types of travel credit cards: airline cards, hotel cards and flexible travel rewards cards.
Cars with co-branded hotel and airline credits allow you to earn commuter miles through that airline’s express loyalty program. For example, if you have a Delta car, you’ll earn Delta SkyMiles and if you have a Southwest car, you’ll earn Southwest Rapid Rewards emissions. These miles and emissions can be redeemed for flights with this airline and its partners. There may be other redemption options, such as car rentals or hotels, but you generally get the maximum price when you use your miles for flights.
Airline cards can save you money in other ways. Depending on the card, you can enjoy benefits like loose checked baggage, priority boarding and check-in. Many airline cards also allow you to earn elite prestige, and you can even earn elite prestige. prestige without flying. Most mid-tier airline cards have an annual payment of $150 or less. However, there are premium airline cards that charge much more and offer luxury benefits, such as access to airport lounges.
A hotel credit card is a smart choice to earn free nights and elite prestige with your favorite hotel chain. These cards get hotel issues with that hotel chain, and you can use those issues to book rooms electronically at any hotel under the umbrella of this loyalty. program.
Hotel cards sometimes come with automatic elite prestige and can earn you additional elite night credits toward your spending or give you other spending opportunities to upgrade to higher-tier prestige. Luxury hotel cards may even offer credits and free nights each year you stay with the card.
If you like to keep your travel options open and aren’t extremely loyal to one airline or hotel, then a travel credit card that earns flexible rewards makes sense. These cards run the gamut from no-annual-fee travel cards to premium credit cards with top-tier benefits.
What makes this type of travel card so special is the redemption options you have. You’re usually able to redeem the points or miles you earn for one cent per point for things such as statement credits, gift cards or travel. Although, depending on the rewards program these aren’t always the optimal ways to use points, and some redemptions are far less valuable, such as using points to pay for Amazon purchases.
In general, the best way to make the most of your flexible travel rewards is to transfer them to partner travel loyalty programs. Each flexible travel rewards program has different partners, and by utilizing the best deals that your card offers, you can multiply the value of your points by booking premium cabin award flights to international destinations.
Travel credit card rewards systems are based on one undeniable principle: make purchases with your card and earn rewards you can use for travel. How you can use those rewards and how many miles or emissions you earn with the card and rewards program.
Most credit card rewards systems offer a variety of rewards cards to meet other needs. You can even have more than one credit card that is part of the same rewards program. These cards are sometimes divided into 4 broad categories: commercial credit cards, no annual payment credit cards, mid-tier credit cards, and premium credit cards.
Business travel credit cards are available to anyone with an eligible business, such as a side business, independent contractor job, or full-time business. These cards will offer superior returns where homeowners are most likely to spend the most, adding workplace home stores, advertising and shipping. They may also offer benefits such as discounts or credits for business services. You’ll also be able to streamline your bookkeeping and occasionally sync your card with popular tax software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks.
If you’re new to the world of rewards credit cards, a no annual payment card is a wonderful way to rack up rewards. These cards offer fewer benefits than cards with annual payments, but they can still offer value. There aren’t even annual payment cards that let you move things, like the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards credit card. With a card with no annual payment, you may be able to upgrade to a card with more benefits and keep the problems you got with the previous card.
Mid-tier travel credit cards are the most popular and usually have annual fees of $150 or less, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You’ll typically have a mix of good reward rates, valuable welcome bonuses and solid ongoing benefits. At this level of card you’re more likely to receive travel and purchase protections.
Several travel credit card rewards programs offer premium credit cards with annual fees north of $400. A premium card tends to be loaded with statement credits and luxury perks, such as airport lounge access. The travel insurance available with a premium card is usually more valuable and may reimburse up to a higher limit or have large coverage limits. You’ll also usually earn more rewards for spending, although, for certain categories, lower-tier cards can sometimes be more lucrative.
The features for redeeming your rewards vary depending on the rewards. However, you can redeem emissions or miles periodically for:
Redeeming your rewards is simple: you’ll need to log into your account and you can make the most of redeeming from there. The good thing to keep in mind when using your rewards is that the reason you redeem them changes the price you get and the price of each redemption varies by program. You’ll generally earn a maximum of one cent per point for gift cards and cash back redemptions. Using problems for product purchases or on Amazon regularly generates the lowest price. which is less than a cent consistent with the point.
If the program offers transferrable points, this is often the best way to get the most bang for your buck, especially when you take advantage of airline partners. By transferring points to the right airline partner, you can book International business- and first-class flights. These flights can cost thousands of dollars and provide well over two cents per point in value.
The best way to use your travel card is to utilize its benefits while understanding its cost. Take note of any annual fees, foreign transaction fees and the APR associated with your account. Also, consider the rewards you’ll earn and other perks, such as annual statement credits.
Once you’re familiar with what your card offers, you’ll be able to maximize the benefits. This would possibly include setting reminders to use the $300 annual credits provided through the Chase Sapphire Reserve or submitting a general access application with the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card to take advantage of credits up to $100. Other cards have credits you can earn monthly or semi-annually and will require you to master them to maximize profits.
When redeeming the rewards you earn with travel cards, you’ll normally have several options. Certain travel cards offer cash-back type redemptions, which may offer okay value. However, you’ll typically get the most of your travel points and miles when you use them for travel.
Even if you don’t use hassle booking, paying for your vacation with a car credit is also a good idea. You’ll usually earn extra rewards for purchases like hotels and flights. On top of that, many cars also offer protections at no additional cost, such as retention reimbursement or rental car insurance.
Travel credit cards for everyone. If you rarely travel, it’s worth considering other credit card options, such as cards with rewards for dining, shopping or gas. Some cards offer up to 6% cash back in those categories, allowing food lovers, meal makers and travelers to benefit.
Beyond the rewards, you may get benefits from a card that offers a 0% APR period. Some cards provide no interest for a year or more on new purchases and balance transfers, like the Citi Simplicity® Card. When used responsibly, such cards allow you to get out of debt without high interest charges.
On Citi’s secure site
On Citi’s secure site
Receive a 0% introductory APR for 21 months on transfers and for 12 months on purchases.
Good to Excellent670–850
18.24% – 28.99% variable
$0
None
View and rates. Conditions apply. Read our review of the Citi Simplicity® card.
The Citi Simplicity® Card would possibly not earn rewards, yet it can still save you cash with its introductory-APR offers.
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There is an introductory balance transfer payment of 3% of the transfer (minimum $5) made within the first four months of account opening. After that, your payment will be 5% of the move (minimum $5).
3%
If you travel and pay for your purchases with cash or a debit card, you’re missing out on rewards and benefits that can make traveling more affordable. You may be better off getting a travel credit card that offers the best rewards rates on airfare, hotels, rideshares, and other common travel expenses.
If you need to apply for a credit card, keep in mind that card issuers regularly require you to have smart or correct credit (scores above 670). Therefore, it’s imperative to check your credit score before applying for a card. .
Once you know your credit score and can check to see if you’re prequalified for a card, choose the card that best suits your desires and apply for it.
Unlike cash-back cards, travel credit cards generally earn points or miles. Traditionally, the term points referred to flexible rewards that could be redeemed directly through a bank’s portal or transferred to a partner airline or hotel loyalty program. Meanwhile, the term miles has been associated with rewards earned through an airline’s frequent flyer program. However, nowadays, points and miles are used interchangeably as there are flexible credit card rewards called miles and more restrictive airline rewards referred to as points.
If you’re having trouble narrowing down the best travel card for you, it can be helpful to compare credit cards. First list the benefits you’re looking for and any deal breakers, such as an annual fee. Then consider cards that have those benefits.
Travel credits that are not tied to an express logo and apply to a wide variety of purchases are less difficult to use. A smart example of this is the up to $300 annual credits you get with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, as they are automatically repaid. implemented on eligible purchases with no registration required.
You can earn rewards for business travel. With business flights or hotel stays, the points you earn are normally deposited into your personal rewards account. However, if you use a business or corporate credit card, the business owner or account administrator usually has control over any rewards that are earned.
At CNBC Select, our project is to provide our readers with high-quality journalism and comprehensive client recommendations so they can make informed decisions with their money. Each credit card review is based on rigorous reports written by our team of expert writers and editors with in-depth knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select gets a commitment from its partner partners on many offers and links, we create all of our content without the involvement of our sales team or outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic criteria and ethics. Check out our method for more data on how we decide which credit cards are the most productive.
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To find out which cards offer the most productive price for travel, CNBC Select analyzed more than 250 primary credit cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions and widely available in the United States.
We compare each card across a diversity of features, adding rewards (e. g. , cashback, issuances, and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory APR, and balance transfer fees and popular and foreign transaction fees. We’ve also thought about additional benefits (e. g. , existing or business travel credits), cardholder coverages (e. g. , acquisition coverage, $0 liability coverage, and travel insurance), the application procedure, when it can be obtained (e. g. , if there is a credit application or credits score is required), and how simple it is to redeem the issues (e. g. , if the rewards are linked to an express logo, if any; are transferable, to how many/which partners, can you exchange them for direct money?back). We also thought about CNBC Select audience knowledge of where to find you, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
For the cards that offered a rewards program, we considered consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine where U.S. consumers are spending the most money, like on dining and travel. We used this to help determine what bonus categories are most useful for consumers. Since the value of a point or mile varies based on what they can be redeemed for, we also considered things like transferability and the ability to redeem for cash-back.
When choosing the best travel credit cards, we focused on cards with travel-centered rewards programs and benefits. This includes flexible travel programs that allow you to redeem for travel and transfer rewards to travel programs. We also paid special attention to cards with travel perks, such as travel insurance, elite status benefits or airport lounge access.
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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.
For Discover it® miles and rates, click here.
For rates and the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here.
Bank of America® Student Travel Rewards data collected independently through Select and not reviewed or provided through the card issuer prior to publication.
For Capital One products indexed on this page, some of the benefits above would likely be provided through Visa® or Mastercard® and would likely vary by product. Please refer to the applicable Benefits Guide for further details, as situations and exclusions apply.
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