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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 some of the best credit cards for travel 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
10X
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Intro bonus
100,000 miles
Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening
Annual fee
$395
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.
Those looking for travel-centric rewards will find a healthy dose of earning options with this card. You’ll earn a solid 2X miles on every purchase as a base, in addition to 10X miles on rental car and hotel purchases booked through Capital One’s travel portal and 5X miles on flights when booked through Capital One’s travel portal.
You’ll get 10,000 bonus miles (equivalent to $100 in travel) each year starting at your first account anniversary.
This card offers up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Cons
There are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
This card charges a $395 annual fee.
Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening, equal to $1,000 in travel
Limited-time Offer: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits for vacation rentals charged to your account within your first year
Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get our best prices on thousands of options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, plus unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Escape the airport crowd and recharge before your flight with unlimited access to all-inclusive amenities at the Capital One Lounge and at 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
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
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.
Click "Apply Now" to see rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Discover Match® details & other information.
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 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
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
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
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 here to stay. Card Members can choose between a Gold or Rose Gold Card.
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.
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 spent on travel and dining purchases
1.5X
Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent 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 and travel — 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 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
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.
No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire
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.
additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
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Compare the best travel credit cards of 2021
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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,
10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.
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
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.
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.)
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: People 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: Consumers 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: Anyone 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: Capital One loyalists who want the most they can get out of a travel rewards card.
This card is not a great choice for: Anyone who doesn’t spend a lot on travel purchases and may find it difficult to reach the $10,000 required spend in 6 months for the intro bonus.
What makes this card unique? There is a limited-time offer of up to $200 back in statement credit for vacation rental purchases, like Airbnb and VRBO, charged to your account in the first year.
Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth it? This card is definitely worth it if you want to get the most out of your travel purchases for a fairly affordable annual fee compared to other luxury travel card options on the market. With plenty of elevated rewards rates when booking through Capital One travel and many opportunities to earn statement credits on travel-related purchases, this travel card can be hard to beat.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
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, 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: People 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: Frequent travelers who are also Bank of America Preferred Rewards members.
This card is not a great choice for: Anyone who wants premium travel perks such as airport lounge access and doesn’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 Bank of America) 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.
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.
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
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
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: Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, Hilton Honors American Express Card
Ideal for: Travelers exclusively loyal to a certain hotel chain
How do credit card miles work?
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.
What are travel points and miles?
Travel miles are often associated with an airline frequent flyer program. Travel points tend to come in two varieties: all-purpose points earned with non-branded cards and points earned with co-branded cards.You can earn “air miles” and points (depending on which reward currency your card uses) by booking flights with a co-branded airline card, booking hotel stays with a co-branded hotel card or, depending on the card, by making other kinds of eligible purchases.
How to redeem points and miles
The most common way of redeeming air miles is to use them for free flights, sometimes called award flights. 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.
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:
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. Sometimes, using these portals may even boost your rewards value.
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.
Does the card offer the travel protections you need? 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.
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 $695 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. Before you sign up, ensure that you can reasonably cover the spending required to earn the bonus.
Do you want more travel rewards or cash back rewards? Credit card rewards generally come in two varieties: cash back or travel. It’s best to understand which type of rewards will most benefit you when selecting a credit card. You should get a travel credit card if you purchase plane tickets or hotel stays several times per year and you’re comfortable with paying an annual fee (in many cases) in exchange for higher rewards rates and travel perks. A cash back card is a better fit if you don’t travel regularly, but still want to earn decent rewards on your spending.
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. If a card lists the estimated cash value of its features and benefits, be sure to measure them against annual fees and other costs.
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. Still, bear in mind that some of the details might differ.
Bankrate insight
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.
Travel credit card 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 into early 2022.
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.
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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