Best travel credit cards of October 2021

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

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 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (worth $1,250 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).
• Compare this card with: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Read our full Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best overall travel card

• 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.
• Compare this card with: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Read our full Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review.
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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Best for flexible travel miles with no annual fee

• 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.
• Compare this card with: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Read our full Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review.
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Citi Premier® Card

Best for travel rewards on everyday purchases

• 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.

Read our full Citi Premier® Card review.
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Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Best for qualifying travel purchases

• 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.
• Compare this card with: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Read our full Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card review.
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The Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for international travel

• 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.
• Compare this card with: Citi Prestige® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Read our full The Platinum Card® from American Express review.
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Discover it® Miles

Best for earning unlimited miles

• 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.

Read our full Discover it® Miles review.
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American Express® Gold Card

Best for travel rewards on dining

• 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).
• Compare this card with: The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Read our full American Express® Gold Card review.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Best for extra points value

• 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.
• Compare this card with: The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Read our full Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.
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Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Best Bank of America travel card

• 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 Warranty Manager, which does more than the dry-sounding name implies. It doubles the length of the manufacturers’ warranty (up to one additional year) 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.

Read our full Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card review.
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Credit One Bank® Wander™ Card

Best travel card for fair credit

• 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.

Read our full Credit One Bank® Wander™ Card review.
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What is a travel credit card?

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.

How travel points work

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.

Read more: Bankrate’s full guide to credit card points

What are points and miles worth?

Here are the September 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.)

Do travel miles or points expire?

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 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.

Who should get a travel credit card?

There’s a card out there for every type of traveler. A travel credit card can be worthwhile for the following people:

Frequent travelers

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).

Travel beginners

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.

Brand loyalists

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.

Business travelers

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.

International travelers

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.

Luxury travelers

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 of travel cards

• 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 of travel cards

• 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.

How to choose a travel credit card

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 and emergency assistance.

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.

Get the necessary travel perks and protections

Some credit card issuers and networks offer perks that are especially helpful for travel like rental car coverage, lost luggage insurance, travel delay and accident insurance, concierge services and emergency assistance. Many of the premium travel credit cards, especially co-branded airline and hotel cards, offer valuable perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, discounts, upgrades and various travel credits.

Those who want these helpful perks and frequently fly on a specific airline may look into a co-branded travel card. However, it’s important to know that co-branded cards typically earn less on non-travel purchases than general travel credit cards.

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.

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.

Read more: Cash back vs. points and miles credit cards

Survey: More will travel in 2021, but don’t expect a post-COVID boom

Although many Americans plan to travel in 2021, only a relatively small percentage will make up for time lost to the pandemic by taking more trips than normal.

Findings from a new Bankrate.com survey suggest that a full-fledged travel boom is unlikely this year, even as COVID-19 and travel restrictions continue to 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 percentage of people who expect to travel (but less than usual) is 11 percent.

The top reason for traveling in 2021? To spend time with family and friends (63 percent). Other reasons include going back to a favorite location (28 percent), “bucket list” trips (19 percent) and attending an event (17 percent). Only 9 percent plan to travel for business.

Other results include:

• 71 percent of people who are at least part of the way through the COVID-19 vaccination process plan to travel. Among those who haven’t received any vaccine shots, 57 percent have travel plans.
• No other generation plans to increase their travel more than Gen Z (41 percent). They’re followed by millennials (37 percent), Generation X (16 percent) and baby boomers (14 percent).
• Debit or cash is the preferred way of paying for travel, at 43 percent. Almost as many people plan to use a credit card and pay in full (39 percent) while 16 percent will pay with credit but carry a balance.

Unfortunately, Bankrate.com senior industry analyst Ted Rossman points out that paying with debit or cash instead of a rewards credit card means missed opportunities.

“The best way to use a credit card is like a debit card — paying in full to avoid interest,” said Rossman. “If you can do that, credit cards offer superior rewards programs and buyer protections.”

Rossman also cites recently upgraded sign-up bonuses and welcome offers. Examples of current offers for new cardholders include:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $600 in travel.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — 100,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening (worth $1,250 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® — 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening (worth $900 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

“This is actually one of the best times in history to sign up for a new credit card, since issuers are offering record sign-up bonuses to capitalize on the rebound in consumer spending,” said Rossman.

The online survey conducted by YouGov polled 2,752 American adults about their travel plans.

CardSmart: Travel credit card pro-tips

The best travel credit cards provide all the value you’re looking for, but in some cases you might want to try a new wrinkle to make your travel dollar go even further. Here are five travel pro-tips on maximizing the value of your travel card and travel rewards:

1. Consider a card combination

Pairing a travel card with a rewards card from the same issuer can create a lucrative combination. The keys are whether the cards allow you to pool or transfer rewards or whether the cards earn the same type of rewards currency.

For instance, you can pair the Chase Sapphire Preferred with the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and transfer points to the Sapphire Preferred for maximum value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

If you have multiple American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards Points, you can ask Amex to link the cards so that the points accumulate into one account. So if you linked your American Express® Business Gold Card with The Platinum Card from American Express, you could use the points from both cards to book travel through the Amex Travel portal.

2. Join a loyalty program

Many airlines, hotels and cruise lines have loyalty programs that reward faithful customers. (Even Amtrak has one for those who travel by rail.) Benefits typically include special perks and discounts, plus opportunities to earn the all-important free stuff: flights, hotel stays, cruises or, as the case may be, train rides.

In most cases, you’ll receive membership automatically when you get a co-branded travel card that offers a loyalty program — but double-check just to make sure. If you don’t become a member through your card, sign up so you don’t miss out.

3. Get lounge access without a card

Complimentary airport lounge access is a signature perk of many travel credit cards, but what if your card doesn’t include it?

One option is to buy lounge access directly. Buying a membership could be cost-prohibitive, though, since the annual fees can run to hundreds of dollars. If it’s just a rare indulgence, some lounges sell one-time day passes.

You might find another way into the lounge through your travel card’s terms and conditions. Some airline cards offer lounge access if you have elite membership status, so check the fine print carefully to see if you qualify.

4. Dig into a dining program

If you have an appetite for earning more points, see if your travel credit card has a dining program. A number of co-branded airline and hotel cards have dining programs that provide opportunities to earn extra points for using an eligible card at participating restaurants.

Examples include IHG Rewards Club Dining and American AAdvantage Dining. Typically, you’ll need to enroll in the dining program and link your eligible card of choice to your account.

5. Remember to enroll and activate

Check your card’s terms and conditions to see which benefits require activation or enrollment. You might have to enroll online or call a toll-free number to enroll by phone. For example, with The Platinum Card from American Express, make sure to activate the Airline Fee Credit on the American Express website.

You’ll also need to enroll on the Amex website for Hilton Honors Gold status and call 800-525-3355 for Marriott Bonvoy Gold status.

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.

Travel insurance options

When it comes to travel, there’s nothing more important than peace of mind. By highlighting all of the added perks that a card offers — including the option for travel insurance — you’ll know about the protection you’re being offered before you apply.

Find out more about rewards cards for travelers

• Travel Credit Card Advice
• How to choose the right travel rewards credit card
• Best travel credit cards for Uber and Lyft
• Bankrate’s best hotel credit cards
• Bankrate’s best airline credit cards
• Bankrate’s best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

Video guide: What is a travel credit card?

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.