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Travel credit cards help you earn valuable points and miles to put toward flights, hotel stays and other travel-related expenses. They're also known to come with generous sign-up bonuses and additional travel perks, like airport lounge access and travel insurance. Check out the best travel rewards cards from our partners and start planning your trip today.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3X
Earn 3X points on dining.
2X
Earn 2X points on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Intro bonus
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
15.99%-22.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
With excellent travel protections and a relatively low annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great introduction to the world of travel rewards credit cards. The welcome offer is an attractive incentive for any cardholder and the base rewards are generous offering as much as two points per dollar in rewards on general travel-related purchases.
The $95 annual fee is reasonable for the category and card of this caliber.
The card touts significant travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and a car rental collision damage waiver.
Cons
You’ll miss out on premium travel perks, like lounge access and free checked bags.
The $95 annual fee, though easily recouped for frequent travelers, might price the card out of some shoppers’ budget.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy new benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get our best prices on thousands of trip options
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Intro bonus
60,000 miles
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
15.99% - 23.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card tops the list of best overall travel credit cards due in part to its flexibility. You'll earn unlimited miles and can redeem them as statement credits for a variety of travel expenses, including airfare and accommodations.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get our best prices on thousands of trip options
1.25X
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.
Intro bonus
20,000 miles
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.99% - 24.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers many of the same perks as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, without the burden of an annual fee. If you’re looking for a low-cost travel card, consider this one a top option.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
3X
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
3X
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
1X
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro bonus
80,000 points
Earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
15.99% - 23.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The big draw of the Citi Premier® Card is that you can earn bonus rewards on everyday expenses as opposed to just travel. A generous sign-up bonus sweetens the deal.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1.5X
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
Intro bonus
25,000 points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This average travel credit card gets a whole lot more lucrative if you’re a Bank of America customer who can qualify for a rewards boost through the bank’s Preferred Rewards program.
There’s a relatively low spend requirement associated with the card’s welcome offer.
No annual fees or foreign transaction fees sweeten this offer.
Cons
This is a flat-rate travel rewards credit card; you can’t maximize earnings via bonus categories.
The top tiers of the Preferred Rewards program may be out of reach for many cardholders.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. After the intro APR ends, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply.
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 2.62 points for every $1 spent.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
10X
Earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Intro bonus
100,000 points
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Luxury travelers and big spenders will appreciate the bevy of travel benefits associated with The Platinum Card® from American Express. Just be sure to factor in the value of the many perks, plus the lucrative rewards rates, when you consider the $695 annual fee.
The welcome bonus offer can provide 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the card in your first 6 months of card membership.
A robust line-up of airline and hotel partners make this card truly valuable for travellers.
Cons
The $695 annual fee is steep; it may deter certain card holders from acquiring this card.
Redeeming and maximizing the card’s credit and benefits requires some legwork and can be a bit confusing.
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Plus, earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on select Equinox memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
$179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
1.5X
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee.
Intro bonus
Discover Match®
Unlimited Bonus: Only Discover will automatically match all the Miles you've earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There's no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
11.99% - 22.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Another option for people looking for a low-cost travel credit card, this Discover card combines decent (though not exactly best-in-class) rewards with consumer-friendly terms, like no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
As part of a generous welcome offer, all miles earned in your first year will receive a match at the end of that year
Miles don’t lose value when they’re redeemed for cash back.
Cons
You’ll miss out on pretty standard travel perks like travel insurance, and car rental damage protection.
The rewards structure lacks flexibility; you won’t be able to transfer your miles or use them to book travel.
Unlimited Bonus: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you've earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There's no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee.
Redeem Miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment.
Turn Miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more with no blackout dates. However you redeem, Miles keep the same value. And Miles never expire.
No Blackout Dates. Simply pay for travel purchases like airlines, hotels, rental cars, and more with your Discover it® Miles card.
Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
Freeze your account in seconds with an on/off switch either on the mobile app or website to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
Get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score, number of recent inquiries and more.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Intro bonus
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$250
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If your love of dining is a constant travel companion, few credit cards are more rewarding than the American Express® Gold Card. The rewards rates at restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets and on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com are exceptional.
This card features one of the best rewards return rate on dining currently on the market.
The card touts a formidable collection of travel protections and perks, like hotel upgrades (when available for onsite credit on qualifying activities).
Cons
The $250 annual fee is on the pricey side when compared to similar cards.
Flights are only rewarded at 3X when booked with airlines directly or an amextravel.com.
Rose Gold is back. You can now choose between Gold or Rose Gold.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
Get up to 12 complimentary months of an Uber Eats Pass subscription when you enroll with your Gold Card by 12/31/21.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
10X
Earn 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
5X
Earn 5X total points on air travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3X
Earn 3X points on other travel and dining.
1X
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro bonus
50,000 points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Annual fee
$550
Regular APR
16.99%-23.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earning’s potential is formidable. The points structure is generous. With the $300 annual travel credit and the other perks offered, this card is well worth the $550 annual fee if used strategically.
Points redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards are worth up to 50 percent more.
The annual statement credit of $300 can help offset the cost of the annual fee.
Cons
The high annual fee could be a deterrent for some new cardholders.
You won’t get as many luxury travel perks with this card as you would with some of its luxury card competitors.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Through December 31, 2021, gas station & grocery store purchases will also count towards earning your Travel Credit
Earn 5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
2X
Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 you spend on travel and dining purchases.
2X
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on grocery store purchases - now through 12/31/21.
1.5X
Earn 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
Intro bonus
50,000 points
Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
15.99% - 22.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you do your banking with Bank of America, this card provides an intriguing opportunity for an earnings boost. The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card provides generous rewards rates — 2x points on dining, travel, and grocery store purchases (through 12/31/21) — and 1.5 points on all other purchases — as well as solid travel perks.
The $95 annual fee is relatively affordable for this card category.
Rewards never expire, and there’s no cap on earnings.
Cons
Attaining the highest rewards rate is not an easy feat, since you’ll need to hold significant funds in Bank of America accounts.
This card does not offer premium travel perks, like lounge access
Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 you spend on travel and dining purchases. Plus, earn 2 points for every $1 spent on grocery store purchases - now through 12/31/21.
Earn 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 3.5 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center
Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA Pre✓®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Low $95 annual fee
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5x
Earn 5x points on eligible Recreational & Amusement Park purchases
3x
Earn 3x on eligible restaurant & lodging purchases
1x
Earn 1x points on all other purchases
Intro bonus
N/A
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
23.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Fair to Good (580 - 740)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The new Credit One Bank® Wander™ Card is a great option for those with a healthy bit of wanderlust and a taste for earning some solid travel rewards. Plus, you can conceivably qualify for this card with fair credit — a rare asset that’s uncommon among many other travel cards.
The card’s rewards rate on eligible travel-centric purchases is generous, particularly given you could qualify with fair credit.
If you pay for a National Park Pass with your card within a year of opening your account, you’ll automatically get an $80 statement credit.
Cons
The card charges a $95 annual fee, not waived the first year.
Unlike many travel credit cards, you’ll still pay foreign transaction fees with this card (3% with a $1 minimum when making purchases abroad).
Earn 5x points on eligible Recreational & Amusement Park purchases, 3x on eligible restaurant & lodging purchases, and 1x points on all other purchases, terms apply
Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and more.
Get a statement credit when you purchase a qualifying National Park Pass in the first year
Take Advantage of Merchant Offers from companies such as Maverick, RVshare and More
Automatically earn More Cash Back Rewards for using your Credit One Bank card at participating merchants, terms apply
With $0 Fraud Liability, you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
View your free online access to your Experian credit score, terms apply
If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
The information about the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, the United MileagePlus® Club Card and Radisson Rewards™ Premier Visa has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
In the news today: Is the American Express Platinum worth its increased annual fee?
A longtime frontrunner in the premium travel card game, The Platinum Card® from American Express recently announced some changes to its terms and conditions. The kicker: The annual fee is now $695 instead of $550. Amex softened the blow with some new perks, but some cardholders are debating whether to keep or cancel their Amex Platinum Card.
Compare the best travel credit cards of 2021
Card Name
Best For
Rewards Rate
Bankrate Review Score
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Your first travel card
5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases,
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.)
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
2 points on travel and dining purchases; 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn 2 points for every $1 spent on grocery store purchases – now through 12/31/21.
5X points on eligible recreational and amusement park purchases, which includes national parks and professional sporting events, 3X points on eligible restaurant and lodging purchases (including campgrounds) and 1X points on all other purchases.
A closer look at Bankrate’s top travel credit cards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for your first travel card
This card is best for: Anyone who wants to explore the ins and outs of travel credit cards, with rewards and benefits that also make it a practical experience.
This card is not a great choice for: Those who want premium travel perks such as airport lounge access or free checked bags.
What makes this card unique? The Chase Sapphire Preferred has an outstanding sign-up bonus, particularly for a $95 annual fee travel card. You earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (worth $750 when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards).
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card worth it? The rewards program makes it fairly easy to get your money’s worth with this card (plus 25 percent points value when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards online portal).
This card is best for: Those who want to earn flat-rate rewards on all eligible purchases, even those not directly related to travel, and the option of transferring their rewards to travel partners.
This card is not a great choice for: Anyone who’s fiercely loyal to a single airline or hotel chain.
What makes this card unique? Several Capital One travel partners offer instant transfers and a few others have turnaround times of less than 36 hours. Although individual results may vary, long waits should be rare.
Is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card worth it? The $95 fee isn’t unreasonable compared with many competing travel cards, and you get some valuable Visa Signature perks.
This card is best for: Those with modest travel schedules who don’t want to worry about maximizing rewards to offset an annual fee.
This card is not a great choice for: If you fly exclusively with one airline or stay exclusively at one hotel chain, you can probably get more value out of a co-branded airline or hotel card.
What makes this card unique? Capital One’s virtual assistant Eno, whose features include account monitoring and fraud alerts, could come in particularly handy if you encounter the unexpected while you’re traveling. Eno is accessible through your phone and other compatible devices, making it a good fit for on-the-go access.
Is the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card worth it? Although it’s not a premium-level card, budget-minded travelers who want the flexibility of transferring points to travel partners might find it suitable.
This card is best for: Travelers who want to earn better-than-average rewards rates in a variety of travel and non-travel categories. Restaurant, supermarket and gas station purchases earn the same 3X points per $1 as air travel and hotel purchases.
This card is not a great choice for: People who like getting a rewards boost from the issuer’s travel portal. As of April 2021, you no longer get a 25-percent increase in the value of ThankYou Points when you redeem for travel through the Citi Travel Center.
What makes this card unique? The Citi Entertainment® program, offering special access to concerts, sporting events and more, could be a handy way to fill out your travel itinerary.
Is the Citi Premier® Card worth it? This card might not travel in the same circles as elite-level cards, but the variety of rewards-earning purchase categories could take the edge off the $95 annual fee. Don’t forget the annual $100 hotel savings credit on a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, when you book through thankyou.com.
This card is best for: Anyone who prefers a broader definition of “travel expense.” With this card, purchases redeemable for statement credits include zoos, art galleries, aquariums, travel agencies and more.
This card is not a great choice for: Travelers who want luxury perks and special rewards categories that offer bonus rates (this card earns 1.5 points per $1 on all qualifying purchases).
What makes this card unique? When you use this card to book airfare, hotels and rental cars through the Bank of America Travel Center, the rewards rate jumps from 1.5 points per $1 to 3 points per $1.
Is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card worth it? The broad range of travel purchases redeemable for statement credits is a nifty wrinkle. However, some travelers will prefer a more high-octane card even if it charges an annual fee, which this one doesn’t.
This card is best for: People who want high-level perks, such as access to a worldwide network of luxurious airport lounges, to take the edge off of international travel.
This card is not a great choice for: People who never (or rarely) venture overseas and view travel as transportation, not an experience.
What makes this card unique? During your first 6 months as a new cardholder, you’ll earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the card at restaurants worldwide and when you shop small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases. Despite the relatively short window, that rate and spending limit are among the highest you’ll find with any rewards card.
Is The Platinum Card® from American Express card worth it? The $695 annual fee really grabs your attention, but the Fine Hotels & Resorts® benefits add great value to the card. Keep in mind, that perk is just one of several ways to offset the fee.
This card is best for: Travelers who dislike complex redemption programs and are content to redeem for statement credits they can apply to recent travel purchases.
This card is not a great choice for: Anyone who wants the higher rewards rates and richer perks that come with a premium travel card.
What makes this card unique? Discover will match every Mile you’ve earned at the end of your first year owning the card. It’s like earning 3 Miles per $1 instead of 1.5 per $1 during your first year as a cardholder.
Is the Discover it® Miles card worth it? It’s simple, the miles you can earn are unlimited and there’s no annual fee. This card is a good choice if you prefer function over flash.
This card is best for: Travelers who, like an army, travel on their stomachs. The rewards rate on dining at restaurants and Uber Eats sets the table for earning a lot of points.
This card is not a great choice for: Those who want flexibility in booking flights without sacrificing rewards. This card’s 3X rate on travel applies only to flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
What makes this card unique? If you think plain old gold just doesn’t stand out enough, you can choose the “Rose Gold” tint. It’s an easy and aesthetically pleasing way to add a little more prestige to an already prestigious card.
Is the American Express® Gold Card worth it? On one hand, it has a $250 annual fee. On the other hand, it has generous rewards rates, up to $120 in annual dining credits (enrollment required) and up to $120 in annual Uber Cash toward U.S. Rides and U.S. Eats orders, among other perks (add your card to your Uber app account and you’ll automatically get $10 in Uber Cash that expire at the end of each month).
This card is best for: Travelers who want maximum points value with only one small string attached: You can boost the value of your points by 50 percent when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.
This card is not a great choice for: Casual, infrequent travelers uninterested in the mental calculations required to balance the value of rewards and perks against a $550 annual fee.
What makes this card unique? The perks include access to not one but two luxury booking experiences: The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection℠ and Relais & Châteaux.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® worth it? If you’re a serious traveler looking for a serious rewards card, this credit card is one of the industry’s all-stars.
This card is best for: Frequent travelers who are also Bank of America Preferred Rewards members.
This card is not a great choice for: Those who want premium travel perks such as airport lounge access and don’t want their choice of bank to dictate their choice of travel card.
What makes this card unique? The Premium Benefits included with this card include Extended Warranty, which does more than the dry-sounding name implies. It doubles the length of the manufacturers’ warranty for eligible items purchased with your card.
Is the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card worth it? Membership in the Preferred Rewards program (which involves having sizable deposit or investment accounts with BofA) is the key to unlocking this card’s maximum value. If that perk doesn’t apply to you, the travel card market has many appealing alternatives.
This card is best for: People who have fair-to-good credit and are looking to earn decent rewards on travel.
This card is not a great choice for: Anyone looking to avoid an annual fee or people who prefer to earn rewards on flight travel versus outdoor recreational activities.
What makes this card unique? Cardholders can earn a substantial 5X points on eligible recreational and amusement park purchases (including national parks and professional sporting events). There’s also a unique new card member offer of an $80 statement credit when you purchase a qualifying National Park pass with your Wander card in the first year.
Is the Credit One Bank® Wander™ Card worth it? If you enjoy a lot of outdoorsy activity like camping or visiting national parks, this card offers some great benefits. However, if you want to avoid an annual fee or you’re more into flight travel, there may be a better fit out there for you.
Travel credit cards allow cardholders to earn points or miles on a variety of purchases (typically travel-related) that can then be redeemed in the form of travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards, and more.
The best travel credit cards do more than help you foot the bill for your next flight — they’ll also offer perks to upgrade your entire travel experience. Trip insurance, annual travel credits, concierge services and lounge access are all common benefits. Airline and hotel co-branded credit cards sometimes offer specific discounts and perks for loyalty program members.
Bankrate experts offer an in-depth look at the best travel credit cards available from our partners, as well as general advice on getting the very most out of your travel experience.
Different types of travel rewards credit cards
As with other types of cards, travel credit cards offer you a lot of variety to choose from. To zero in on which card might best fit your needs, consider the different categories of travel cards.
General travel cards
Issued by a credit card company, bank or other financial business, a general-purpose travel card typically offers the most flexibility for how you choose to travel and redeem your rewards. The easiest option is to redeem rewards directly through the issuer’s travel program, which ensures they’ll always have the same value. However, some cards also let you transfer rewards to the issuer’s travel partners (usually airlines and hotel chains but sometimes cruise lines as well).
Examples: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express
Ideal for: Travelers who want flexibility in earning and redeeming their rewards and aren’t necessarily loyal to particular airlines or hotels
Co-branded airline cards
A travel card co-branded by an airline and a credit card issuer is known as an airline rewards card. You can earn miles or points by using the card to book flights with the airline, make in-flight purchases and so on. You redeem the rewards through the airline’s loyalty program.
Examples: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Ideal for: Travelers exclusively loyal to a certain airline
Co-branded hotel cards
A co-branded hotel credit card is similar to an airline card, except with a hotel chain instead of an airline. Likewise, using the card to book stays at the hotel’s properties earns points that you redeem through the hotel loyalty program.
Examples: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
Ideal for: Travelers exclusively loyal to a certain hotel chain
How do points and miles work on travel credit cards?
The rewards you earn with a travel card can take the form of points or miles depending on the card and the rewards program. Some cards might use the terms points and miles interchangeably, but in any case they refer to specific units of “currency” that you can earn and redeem.
Earning: Each dollar you spend on eligible purchases is worth a fixed amount of points or miles. Credit cards and loyalty programs assign different values per purchase, including flat rates across the board or tiered rates for special purchase categories.
Redeeming: Redeeming miles and points to pay for travel usually provides the most value. Many credit cards and loyalty programs offer the option to redeem for cash back, merchandise or gift cards, but in most cases you won’t get the same bang for your buck.
How travel miles work
Travel miles are usually associated with an airline frequent flyer program. You can earn these “air miles” by using an airline card to book flights with the co-branded airline or, depending on the card, by making other kinds of eligible purchases.
Some general-purpose travel cards also use miles as their reward currency without tying them to a single airline or hotel brand.
The most common way of redeeming air miles is to use them for free flights, sometimes called award flights. Some airlines have established award charts that give you insight into what each flight would cost in miles. Others have switched to a dynamic pricing model that bases award pricing on multiple factors, including seasonality and route popularity.
Travel points tend to come in two varieties: all-purpose points earned with non-branded cards and points earned with co-branded hotel cards. You earn points by using your card to book travel and make other eligible purchases.
Co-branded hotel points are typically redeemed for free nights at that particular hotel chain. All-purpose points offer more flexibility in how you redeem them since they aren’t tied to any single brand. Depending on the card, your options could include redeeming points for statement credits to help pay for previous travel purchases, booking current travel purchases or transferring them to the issuer’s hotel and airline partners.
Here are the October 2021 valuations for some of the leading credit card issuers and travel loyalty programs from The Points Guy. You can click on the program names to see Bankrate’s expert advice and analysis.
(Note – These valuations are not provided by card issuers.)
There’s a card out there for every type of traveler. A travel credit card can be worthwhile for the following people:
Naturally, the ideal candidate for a travel card is someone who travels a lot — several flights and hotel stays every year. In some cases, though you don’t have to be a frequent traveler to reap the benefits of a travel rewards card. A number of cards offer good rewards rates on general purchases, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Card (2X miles earned for each $1 spent).
You can take one of two routes here. The first is a card that has a straightforward rewards program and a simple redemption process, like the Discover it Miles card. If you’re interested in going beyond the basics, you can try your hand at the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
Some people like to fly with the same airline whenever possible or stay at the same hotel brand wherever they go. If you belong to a loyalty program, a co-branded card will probably provide you with the best value. They often feature brand-related purchases as a bonus rewards category and other perks for loyal customers. For example, Hilton Honors American Express Card earns 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card earns 3X miles on Delta Air Lines purchases.
Some of the most valuable travel credit cards are business cards. Whether you’re a freelancer on the go or the CEO of a Fortune 500, the right travel credit card can help you earn high rewards rates on everyday business purchases. Examples include the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card and the Capital One Spark Miles for Business.
If you travel out of the country frequently, a card with no foreign transaction fees like the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve help you avoid extra costs on overseas purchases. And if you hate waiting in line at airport security or customs, a lot of travel cards provide statement credits to reimburse you for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
If you’re really looking for a luxury travel experience, you need a top-tier travel card. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and The Platinum Card from American Express provide cardholders with a ton of value. Perks like priority boarding, and access to lounges at airports all over the world are the small touches that make traveling a much more luxurious experience. While top-tier cards also tend to charge annual fees, you can compensate for the cost if you take full advantage of the trip insurance, travel credits and other perks.
Pros and cons of travel credit cards
Although a well-chosen travel card can pay huge dividends, it might not be the right move for every traveler. Before you apply, take time to weigh the benefits vs. the drawbacks.
Pros
Rewards optimized for travel. Rewards categories are often designed to earn more points or miles for purchases directly related to travel, mainly expenses such as airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more.
Travel-friendly benefits. Many travel cards offer perks such as travel insurance, free checked bags and credits for Global Entry and TSA Precheck.
High reward rates. Travel credit cards typically have some of the most generous rewards rates. It’s not uncommon to see travel purchases earn 5, 6 or 7 points or miles per dollar, and in some cases higher.
The convenience of travel portals. Many card issuers have their own online travel portals where you can book travel and redeem your rewards toward those purchases in one session.
Cons
Credit score requirements. The typical baseline credit score requirement for a travel card is good to excellent, which could make it difficult to qualify with a credit score below 670.
Using rewards can be complex. Redeeming rewards and transferring miles or points to travel partners can require some effort on your part. You’ll frequently have to calculate points, check for eligibility requirements for flights and hotel stays and otherwise navigate your way through the process to get full value for your rewards.
Annual fees are common, and occasionally quite high. Some of the top travel credit cards have annual fees starting in the $95 to $100 range. Upper-tier hotel and airline cards and luxury travel cards could have annual fees exceeding $200 or even $500.
Losing value on non-travel redemptions. This factor represents the other side of the coin of cards optimized for travel. Points or miles frequently lose value if you redeem them for cash back, gift cards or merchandise rather than travel.
A good travel credit card can help make traveling easier and more affordable. The best travel credit cards help cardholders earn free or heavily discounted trips, assist in the event of a travel emergency and keep fees to a minimum (or skip them all together). With the right information, you can find the best travel credit card for you and your travel habits. When deciding on a travel credit card, keep these questions in mind.
Do you have an airline or hotel preference?
A co-branded credit card will carry the name of a specific airline or hotel. You’ll get the most value out of its reward when redeeming them with that airline or hotel. While your options for redeeming points are limited, these cards also give you access to exclusive perks, like priority boarding or free room upgrades, with the carrier or chain in question.
If you’re not loyal to a specific hotel or airline brand, a general travel card gives you access to a more flexible rewards structure. They usually allow you to book travel with your points directly or book by redeeming points as a credit for a variety of travel-centric purchases, though you won’t get as many perks directly related to a particular airline or hotel. When deciding between a general or a co-branded card, really think about whether you frequent a specific brand or a wide variety of travel providers.
Does the card offer the travel protections you need?
Travel protections are an essential part of wisely planning a trip. A credit card that helps you protect your travel plans is a great investment. Many credit card issuers offer cards that provide protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car coverage in case of an accident, emergency assistance, lost luggage insurance and concierge services. Be sure to look closely at a card’s travel protection offerings to determine what you need.
Can you offset the annual fee?
If you have a luxury travel card, chances are high that the card carries a steep annual fee that could be upwards of $500 a year. The card’s high cost can typically be offset by lucrative rewards and added perks, such as airport lounge access and free checked bags.
Before you receive a bill for your card’s annual fee, calculate whether it’s still worthwhile. Compare the cost of the annual fee to the value you receive from rewards, statement credit offers and added perks that you actually plan to use.
Does the card offer a sign-up bonus?
The windfall of points you can earn by putting a certain amount in purchases on the card in the first few months you have it is another important factor to consider. A good sign-up bonus could translate into free airfare or other travel purchases. As a rule of thumb, the higher the annual fee, the higher the sign-up bonus should be.
Sign-up bonuses aren’t quite as important as ongoing rewards, especially if you plan on keeping your card long term, but they can be a very beneficial perk. Before you sign up, ensure that you can reasonably cover the spending required to earn the bonus.
Bankrate insight
You might’ve heard that Tuesday is the best day of the week to book a flight, but Expedia’s 2021 Travel Trends Report says it’s actually Sunday. Booking on Sunday instead of Monday could save you 15 percent on domestic flights, according to the report, and you could save more than 20 percent on an international flight by booking on Sunday instead of Friday.
How can you tell if the annual fee is worth it?
Some of the top travel credit cards charge annual fees, which could range from less than $100 to more than $500. Before you make the commitment, it’s entirely reasonable to ask whether the card’s annual fee is worth the cost. Here are some tips that can help you judge a card’s overall value and put annual fee sticker shock in perspective:
Look for dollar values
Many travel cards make an attempt to specify how much money the features and benefits could be worth. Take The Platinum Card from American Express, for example. The card has a $695 annual fee, but Amex assigns estimated dollar values to benefits such as:
Complimentary benefits through American Express Travel
Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the U.S. annually (Uber Cash and Uber VIP status available to Basic Card Member and Additional Centurion Cards only)
Up to $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on select Equinox memberships. Enrollment required.
Used to their full extent, these benefits could have a combined value well over the annual fee — quite a bit more than the $695 annual fee.
If a card lists the estimated cash value of its features and benefits, be sure to measure them against annual fees and other costs. The key is to be realistic about which benefits you’re likely to take advantage of (not everyone shops Saks Fifth Avenue, for example).
See what the benefits would cost separately
Do some comparison shopping to find out how much you might pay if you purchased benefits on your own instead of getting them included with a credit card.
In the case of airport lounge access, the cost of a Priority Pass membership could be higher than the annual fee for some of the top travel cards. As of May 2021, Priority Pass listed the following annual fees:
Standard — $99
Standard Plus — $299
Prestige — $429
Still, bear in mind that some of the details might differ between benefits purchased directly from the provider and benefits included with credit cards. Finding an apples-to-apples comparison could involve a lot of sifting through fine print.
It can also be difficult to judge monetary value for some benefits, such as travel insurance. Many credit cards offer some kind of travel protections without estimating a dollar value, and you would probably have to get a quote from an insurance provider to see what a travel policy could cost.
Use estimated point values
One of Bankrate’s affiliate sites, The Points Guy, estimates the value of points and miles and updates the numbers every month. These monthly valuations are calculated independently and not issued by the credit card companies or loyalty programs themselves.
Using the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card as an example, here’s how you can judge the relationship between annual fee and point value:
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee: $95
1 mile is worth 1.7 cents (The Points Guy)
95 divided by .017 = 5,588.24
5,588 miles = $95
Based on the value of the miles, you could cover the $95 annual fee by earning and then redeeming 5,588 miles at full estimated value. Since the card earns 2X miles on all eligible purchases, you would earn 5,588 miles by spending $2,794. Frequent travelers could spend that much in just two or three months.
Point value is just one of the criteria you should use to estimate the value of a travel card. Still, you can do some simple calculations on your own to get a better idea of how much the rewards you earn and redeem could offset an annual fee.
Bankrate insight
Airlines mishandled over 700,000 bags from January to June of 2021, according to the U.S Department of Transportation. Without travel insurance, consumers are typically on the hook for the cost of lost or delayed luggage. Consider a travel credit card that covers the cost of lost luggage in its travel insurance policy.
Travel credit cards vs. cash back credit cards
Credit card rewards generally come in two varieties: cash back or travel. It’s obvious that frequent travelers are better suited for travel credit cards, while those who tend to “staycation” wouldn’t find much value in points and miles. But there are more considerations you should make before applying — which type of rewards is worth more? Which is easier to manage?
You should get a travel credit card if…
You purchase plane tickets or hotel stays several times per year.
You want to strategically maximize the value of your rewards.
You don’t mind doing some research to understand the rewards system, including transfer partners and various redemption options.
Comparing and calculating the value of redemption options to find the best deals sounds like a fun challenge that’s worth the effort.
You’re comfortable with paying an annual fee (in many cases) in exchange for higher rewards rates and travel perks, such as airport lounge access or free checked bags.
You should get a cash back credit card if…
You don’t fly or stay in hotels very often.
You plan to use your card only occasionally.
You value a straightforward, easy-to-understand rewards system.
You like to know exactly how much your spending earns you in rewards value.
You want to avoid an annual fee (in many cases) without sacrificing a great rewards rate.
Though most people plan to revive their travel habits in 2021, a recent Bankrate survey found that a full-fledged travel boom is unlikely this year, even as COVID-19 and travel restrictions recede. A full two-thirds of U.S. adults (66 percent) plan to do some traveling, but just 24 percent will do more than they would in a normal year. The top reason for Americans to travel in 2021? Spending time with friends and family.
How we chose our list of top travel rewards cards
Bankrate evaluates credit cards on a 5-star system that factors in attributes such as annual fees, APR, rewards value and welcome bonuses. To make our list of best travel rewards cards, our writers and editors pay particular attention to:
Rewards structure
The best travel card for you will allow you to earn the most rewards for your specific spending habits. The cards in our lineup cover a variety of programs geared toward hotel lodging, dining, air travel costs and other factors. In general, the best travel cards reward you with two to three points per dollar on bonus categories.
Travel perks
The top travel rewards cards offer travel-specific benefits that take the hassle out of travel. Some perks we looked for are designed to save you money, including trip cancellation insurance, delayed baggage insurance, rental car insurance, checked bag discounts and travel credits. Other perks are all about making your experience more comfortable, such as airport lounge access, flight and hotel upgrades and concierge service.
Annual fees
Annual fees are common among travel credit cards, but our top picks that charge these fees make it easy to get your money’s worth. Some luxury cards with very high annual fees might be worth the expense for frequent travelers who put a premium on comfort.
Sign-up bonus
Though long-term value should always be weighed the most heavily, travel credit cards often come with sign-up bonuses that can be worth a flight or two. We highlight the most competitive offers so that, all other factors equal, the better sign-up bonus can help you make a decision.
Foreign transaction fees
Foreign transaction fees can make or break the value of a travel credit card, especially if you travel outside the country often. This fee typically tacks on an extra 3% to purchases made overseas, so our top-rated travel cards tend to be of the no-foreign-transaction-fee variety.
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best travel card for you will depend on your travel schedule, budget, spending habits and other factors. Still, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® makes a strong case for being the top choice. The rewards program, benefits and overall value have helped this card earn a 4.5/5 Bankrate Score.
If the Chase Sapphire Reserve isn't for you, other top contenders include:
Common features among top travel credit cards include earning points or miles on a variety of purchases (typically travel-related but not always directly related) that you can redeem for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards and more. Other benefits include travel insurance, annual travel credits, concierge services and airport lounge access. Airline and hotel co-branded credit cards sometimes offer specific discounts and perks for loyal customers.
You'll likely need at least a 670 credit score if you want to get a travel credit card. Though most credit cards don't come with an explicit credit score requirement, rewards cards usually are geared toward people with good to excellent credit. With better perks come stricter requirements.
Alternatives for those who need to build their credit a bit include the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students and the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One. Neither one is technically a travel credit card, but they do waive foreign transaction fees. Also, with responsible use, your credit score could improve enough to qualify you for a top-tier travel rewards card.
Whether you're worried that scaling back travel could lead to your elite status and miles expiring, or you simply don't want to miss out on valuable rewards opportunities, you have options for maximizing rewards even at home. Fortunately, most major airlines are offering elite status and mile extensions — many through the end of 2021.
The easiest solution is a flat-rate travel card you can use on everyday purchases. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards card earns 2X miles on everything, travel-related or not.
Review your travel card’s terms and conditions for opportunities to earn rewards without boarding a plane or leaving the house. Some cards earn 2X to 4X miles/points on dining and take-out from restaurants. Even eligible delivery services can earn rewards depending on the card.
For instance, not only does the American Express Gold Card offer 4X points on restaurants (including select delivery services), but you can also earn up to $120 annually in dining credit (enrollment required) by using the card to pay for services like Grubhub and Seamless. The Platinum Card from American Express is one of the best credit cards for Uber since it offers up to $200 in Uber credit each year, including up to $35 in December for both rides and UberEats orders.
Generally, no. Miles are most valuable when redeemed toward booking travel, but a few other options exist that you might consider in a pinch, depending on your card's redemption choices. For instance, Capital One miles keep their full value if you redeem them for gift cards, but they lose 50 percent of their value when redeemed for cash back.
Save your miles or even maximize your travel points unless they're near expiration. You shouldn't have to worry about expiration unless you're planning on closing your card, though, since most issuers' miles are good for the life of your account. Otherwise, try to redeem for rewards with a 1:1 value like gift cards to maximize your miles.
When it comes to travel insurance, does the coverage included with certain credit cards provide adequate protection? On the plus side, a number of credit cards offer travel insurance coverage to cardholders at no extra cost. Some of the best credit cards for travel insurance cover a number of potential mishaps, including:
Trip cancellation, delay or interruption
Lost, damaged or delayed baggage
Theft or collision damage involving rental cars
Emergency medical or dental treatment
You do have the option of buying additional travel coverage for a specific trip. Supplement policies are available from large insurance carriers, smaller companies that specialize in travel insurance and travel agents. Just keep in mind that the additional coverage means additional cost. And like any type of insurance, supplemental travel insurance explicitly defines what's covered and what isn't. Review the coverage documents thoroughly before buying.
For those concerned about the coronavirus affecting their travel plans, you could be reimbursed for a trip cancellation if you receive a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Again, everything depends on what your policy covers.
The short answer is, it depends. Different airlines and card issuers have different rules when it comes to redeeming points or miles for travel. You’ll need to evaluate the reward value attached to your card and how the value of your rewards can change depending on how you redeem. Most reward programs use a 1:1 one conversion rate, but not all. With a 1:1 conversion rate, each reward mile or point is worth 1 cent. You can redeem travel rewards by using an issuer’s travel portal or transferring the points or miles to a partner program. Depending on the issuer, your rewards could be worth more if you book using either of these options.
In short, no reward flight is technically “free,” as you’ll need to spend to earn enough rewards to redeem on a flight cost. Remember to always carefully evaluate your financial situation and try not to overspend by chasing a certain amount of points or miles.
Although many credit card issuers have adopted no-expiration policies, some holdouts remain. Don’t make any assumptions — read the terms and conditions of your credit card and loyalty programs carefully.
Letting your rewards expire is essentially forfeiting money. It pays to know the details, including whether your rewards will expire if you let your account go inactive for a certain period of time. Check your online dashboard or printed monthly statement on a regular basis. Also, our guide to credit card rewards expirations breaks down the policies of a few popular issuers.
Former Senior Editor Barry Bridges has been writing about credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and other personal finance products since 2017. Before joining Bankrate, he was an award-winning newspaper journalist in his native North Carolina.
Mariah Ackary is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit card rewards and small business credit. Mariah is a lifelong writer, but she began writing about finance in 2018. She joined the Bankrate team in 2019, excited by the opportunity to directly help people make good financial decisions. Send your questions to mackary@bankrate.com
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Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
