Should I get a cash-back or travel rewards credit card?

The best type of card for you will depend on your spending habits and your financial goals. If you’re a loyal frequent flyer with an airline, an airline rewards card might make the most sense. If you spend plentifully at a specific hotel brand, you may be better suited to a hotel credit card. If you’re not sure, or you have a wider variety of needs, a card with flexible point currencies — like the [card_name pid=44752] or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — may be a better bet. Finally, If you’re looking for a simple way to get cash back on everyday purchases, then a cash-back credit card may be the way to go. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences — and in some cases, you might have a pattern of spending that justifies having both in your wallet.

Best travel credit cards of July 2024

Robin Saks Frankel

BLUEPRINT

Updated 10:20 a.m. UTC July 1, 2024

Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy.

The best credit cards for travel set themselves apart from other credit cards by offering an array of benefits that make it easier and more rewarding to explore the world. These travel credit card offerings provide generous rewards and perks tailored to the needs of those on the go.

We analyzed all of the available options in this category, from issuers both large and small, to curate a list of the very best travel credit cards of 2024. Here are our selections.

our partner

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Partner Offer

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & fees / Terms apply

Apply Now

On American Express’s secure website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 5 Membership Rewards® Points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or AMEX travel. The airline benefit is limited to the first $500K in purchases per calendar year. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other eligible purchases.

Editor’s take

Pros

Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
Generous travel and purchase protections.

Cons

High annual fee and spending requirements.
Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
Annual statement credits have limited use.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is packed with unparalleled luxury travel perks. Cardmembers have access to a wide range of airport lounges, mid-tier hotel elite status and a comprehensive set of travel protections.

Card details

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
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 up to $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®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$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. Terms Apply.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.

Best travel credit cards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. *: Best credit card for travel.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. *: Best hotel card.
Aeroplan® Credit Card * The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. *: Best cobranded airline card.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for airport lounge access.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card*: Best for simple redemption process.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for high value with a low annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for increased redemption value.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card*: Best for high rewards on all types of travel.
American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. *: Best for high rewards on travel and dining.
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®: Best travel credit card for renters.

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

85+ cards analyzed.
20+ data points analyzed.
5-step fact-checking process.

Best credit card for travel

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 2 miles per $1 on all eligible purchases and 5 miles per $1 on flights through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment, plus 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel.

Editor’s take

Pros

High reward potential.
Wide selection of statement credits.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

No hotel or airline-specific benefits.
Requires excellent credit.
High annual fee.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers premium benefits at a lower annual fee than competing premium cards. With over a dozen airline transfer partners and over $400 in annual recurring perks, it’s well worth the annual fee.

Card details

Annual fee: $395.
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Other perks and benefits: No foreign transaction fees, 10,000 mile card ownership anniversary bonus, $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application reimbursement credit, airport lounge access benefits, cellphone protection benefit, transfer miles to travel and hotel partners, Hertz President’s Circle Status.

Best hotel card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 10X points at IHG® Hotels and Resorts with the card, earn 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member, plus 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card); Earn 5X points on travel, gas stations and restaurants; Earn 3X points on all other purchases.

Editor’s take

Pros

Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent at IHG hotels.
Free night after your account anniversary each year.
Redeem three nights, get a fourth consecutive night free.

Cons

$99 annual fee.
Value per point may be low compared to competing hotel chains.
Potentially high APR.

If you frequently stay at IHG properties, you’ll love the generous rewards rate you can earn with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. It does charge a low annual fee, but that’s reasonable considering what the card has to offer.

Card details

Annual fee: $99.
Rewards: Earn 10 points per $1 at IHG Hotels and Resorts, another 10 points per $1 as an IHG One Rewards member, 6 points per $1 from IHG with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card), 5 points per $1 on travel, dining and gas stations and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Perks and benefits: Free night after your account anniversary, redeem three award nights and get a fourth consecutive night free, automatic Platinum Elite status, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, credit of up to $100 to reimburse Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.

Best cobranded airline card

Aeroplan® Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, and Air Canada directly; Earn 1x points for each dollar spent on all other purchases.

Editor’s take

Pros

Ability to spend your way to elite status is rare for a card at the $95 price point.
Generous rewards on everyday spending categories.
Discounts on award tickets.

Cons

Aeroplan charges high redemption rates on some award tickets compared to other Star Alliance carrier rates.
The annual fee may be hard to justify for those who don’t regularly fly Aeroplan to take advantage of the airline-specific perks.

The Aeroplan® Credit Card offers generous rewards on everyday spending categories like dining and groceries. Beyond earning points, spending with this card helps you earn and maintain elite status.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 3 points per $1 spent on dining, takeout and eligible delivery services, grocery stores and directly with Air Canada and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Earn 500 points for every $2,000 spent in a month (maximum 1,500 points per month).
Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Perks and benefits: Aeroplan 25K status through the rest of the calendar year and next. Maintain status with $15,000 spent in a calendar year. Existing status holders can upgrade to 35K status with $50,000 in spending per calendar year, first checked bag free for cardmember and up to eight travel companions, $100 Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS application fee credit every four years, preferred pricing on award flights, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, secondary auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection.

Best for airport lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Partner Offer

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & fees / Terms apply

Apply Now

On American Express’s secure website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Editor’s take

Pros

Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
Generous travel and purchase protections.

Cons

High annual fee and spending requirements.
Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
Annual statement credits have limited use.

Card details

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
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 up to $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®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$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. Terms Apply.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.

Best for simple redemption process

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment. Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.

Editor’s take

Pros

Decent value for the annual fee.
No foreign transaction fees.
Worthwhile collection of perks and travel protections.

Cons

$95 annual fee.
No low introductory APR period.

The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card offers decent rewards for a decent annual price, plus the flexibility to redeem and transfer the reward points to partners, making it a good choice for frequent travelers. The Venture Rewards competes with other travel cards in this price range and, though it may not be loaded with premium perks, it can provide excellent value for the right cardholder.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Other perks and benefits: No foreign transaction fees, up to $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee, auto rental collision damage waiver, travel accident insurance, extended warranty benefit, transfer miles to eligible loyalty programs.

Best for high value with a low annual fee

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s secure website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases, plus more.

Editor’s take

Pros

Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
$50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
Valuable travel protections.

Cons

$95 annual fee.
Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership® Rewards and Citi ThankYou®.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred may not have a premium fee but it comes packed with enough benefits to stand tall in a crowded field of travel cards. It earns rewards at generous rates on travel purchased through Chase and on dining, and offers the same lineup of transfer partners as the more expensive Chase Sapphire Reserve®, plus a robust selection of travel protections.

Card details

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 Travel℠.
Enjoy beneﬁts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Member FDIC

Best for increased redemption value

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

BLUEPRINT RATING

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s secure website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1x points on all other purchases.

Editor’s take

Pros

Up to $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select lounge access.
Redeem points for 50% more value to book travel through Chase Travel℠.
Transfer points 1:1 to partners such as United Airlines and World of Hyatt.

Cons

High annual fee.
Not ideal if you aren’t interested in transferring points.
May not qualify if you’ve applied for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months.

Card details

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ 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 Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
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 PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Member FDIC

Best for high rewards on all types of travel

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn an unlimited 5 points per $1 on hotels, 4 points per $1 on airlines, 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: 5 points per $1 on hotels, 4 points per $1 on airlines, 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies for 120 days from account opening. After that, a fee of up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5, applies.
Foreign transaction fee: None.

Best for high rewards on travel and dining

American Express® Green Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on restaurant purchases; Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services; Earn 1X Membership Rewards points on other purchases

Editor’s take

Pros

Lower annual fee than some comparable cards.
Credits for CLEAR® Plus membership and airport lounges.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

Fewer perks than more premium travel cards.
Complex rewards structure.
Some reward redemptions are a poor value.

The American Express® Green Card fills a niche between bare-bones travel cards and pricey premium ones. There’s an annual fee, but the card’s benefits include an annual up to $189 CLEAR® Plus application fee statement credit, an annual up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit, some travel and purchase protections and a strong rewards rate on travel and transit that rivals far pricier options.

Card details

Annual fee: $150.
Rewards: 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
APR: See terms for Pay Over Time eligibility and program details.
Perks and benefits: Up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit, up to $189 CLEAR® Plus statement credit and additional travel protections.

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best travel credit card for renters

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & fees / Terms apply

Apply Now

On Bilt’s secure website

BLUEPRINT RATING

1x on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company). 3x points on dining. Plus, 1x points on other purchases. Use the card 5 times to earn points each statement period.

Editor’s take

Pros

Earns rewards on rent payments.
No transaction fee for paying rent by credit card.
No annual fee or Foreign Currency Conversion Fee.

Cons

You must make five transactions per billing period to earn rewards.
No welcome bonus or intro APR period.
Restrictive definition of what counts as a travel purchase.

The no-annual-fee Bilt Mastercard earns elevated rewards rates on dining and travel, lets you transfer those points 1:1 to multiple airline and hotel partners and offers a slew of helpful travel perks, like an Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver and Cellular Telephone Protection.

Card details

$0 annual fee
Earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotels, car rental agencies, and cruise lines), 1x points on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year) and 1x points on other purchases
Earn double points on the first of the month (i.e. 6X points on dining, 4X on travel and 2X on other purchases; except rent)
Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
Cellular Telephone Protection
Purchase Security (theft and damage protection)
Concierge Service
Lyft Credits
No Foreign Currency Conversion Fee
Rewards & benefits terms
Select ‘Apply Now’ to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions.

Compare the best credit cards for travel

Credit Card

Credit score

Best For

Annual Fee

Welcome Bonus

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Excellent Credit (750 – 850)

Best credit card for travel

$395

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best hotel card

$99

140,000 points

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best cobranded airline card

$95

Earn 70,000 bonus points

Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for airport lounge access

$695

Earn 80,000 points

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for simple redemption process

$95

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for high value with a low annual fee

$95

60,000 bonus points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for increased redemption value

$550

60,000 bonus points

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for high rewards on all types of travel

$95

60,000 points

American Express® Green Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best for high rewards on travel and dining

$150

Earn 40,000 points

Rates & Fees

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best travel credit card for renters

N/A

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best travel credit cards of July 2024

Best credit card for travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why it’s the best

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers great value with its lineup of travel credits, including a $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel — Capital One’s online travel agency. If fully maximized it can negate much of the card’s $395 annual fee. Plus, the card earns a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus each year. For a premium card, the Venture X is priced well below its peers.

Pros:

Comes with airport lounge access.
Miles earned on the card can be transferred to multiple travel partners.
Elite rental status with Hertz¹.

Cons:

The travel credit is only for bookings made through Capital One.
Redeeming your earnings for cash is a poor value.
There’s a sizable annual fee.

Card details:

Annual fee: $395.
Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: None.

Best hotel card: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Why it’s the best

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. earns rewards at a rapid pace, thanks to the automatic Platinum elite status granted to cardholders. The status, combined with the rewards earned from using the card at eligible IHG stays can earn you up to a whopping 26 points per dollar, fast-tracking you to free nights faster than you can say “InterContinental Hotels Group.”

Pros

Ultra-high rewards rate, especially on IHG spending.
Card offers a free anniversary night.
Robust travel protections and coverages.

Cons

The free anniversary night is capped at 40,000 points.
Points are relatively low value.
Travel coverage does not include auto rental insurance.

Card details

Annual fee: $99.
Rewards: Earn 10 points per $1 at IHG Hotels and Resorts, another 10 points per $1 as an IHG One Rewards member, 6 points per $1 from IHG with Platinum Elite Status (a benefit of this card), 5 points per $1 on travel, dining and gas stations and 3 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: None.

Best cobranded airline card: Aeroplan® Credit Card

Why it’s the best

The Aeroplan® Credit Card * The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is one of just a small handful of airline credit cards to include elite status as a cardholder perk. The card also allows you to pay yourself back on eligible travel purchases at a rate of 1.25 cents per point, and Aeroplan miles can be used on more than 45 partner airlines, making it a must-have in the wallets of frequent globetrotters.

Pros

Offers elite status for the remainder of the year and the full calendar year.
Discounted pricing on reward flights.
Free checked bag for you and up to 8 companions.

Cons

Elite status isn’t an ongoing perk.
Aeroplan doesn’t have U.S.-only flights.
There’s an annual fee.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on dining, takeout and eligible delivery services, grocery stores and directly with Air Canada and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Earn 500 points for every $2,000 spent in a month (maximum 1,500 points per month).
Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: $0.

Best for airport lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why it’s the best

The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) offers the most widespread lounge access benefits of any card on the market. While the high price point may be prohibitive for some, consider that the card offers more than a $1,000 value in potential statement credits. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

Expansive airport lounge access.
Up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, up to $200 airline incidental fee statement credit per calendar year (applicable to one qualifying airline of your choice) and an up to $240 digital entertainment statement credit. Enrollment required.
Hotel and rental car elite status with several brands.

Cons

Sky-high annual fee.
Statement credits can be hard to fully maximize.
Rewards rate is mediocre outside of flights and travel booked through Amex.

Card details

Annual fee: $695.
Rewards: Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Foreign transaction fee: None.

Best for simple redemption process: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why it’s the best

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use travel rewards card with a soft-on-the-wallet price. You can use your miles to book travel through Capital One, redeem them to cover a past travel purchase or transfer them to Capital One’s 15+ travel loyalty partners.

Pros

It’s easy to understand both earning the rewards and how to use them.
Application fee reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (up to $100).
Get Hertz Five Star rental card elite status¹.

Cons

No lounge access.
The highest rewards rate is for bookings through Capital One Travel.
Other cards may offer even higher rewards in areas where you spend the most.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: None.

Best for high value with a low annual fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why it’s the best

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers generous rewards on travel and dining and a straightforward redemption program. It’s an excellent choice for both frequent and aspiring travelers looking to maximize their everyday spending. Plus, rewards on this card are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠. You’d be hard-pressed to find another travel card that packs more punch in an affordable package.

Pros

Annual bonus point award equal to 10% of total purchases made in the past year.
Can transfer points 1:1 to Chase’s travel loyalty partners.
Extensive travel and purchase protections including primary auto rental coverage.

Cons

Lacks airport lounge access and hotel elite status.
Rewards are worth less than a penny per point when not used for travel redemptions.
Hotel bookings made through Chase aren’t eligible for elite loyalty benefits.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: $0.

Best for increased redemption value: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why it’s the best

The Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s $550 annual fee can be offset by a slew of benefits. Plus, the Chase Ultimate Rewards® points earned on this card can be redeemed at a 50% increase in value when used to book travel through Chase Travel. So for example, 100,000 points on this card can be redeemed for $1,500 worth of travel booked through the issuer, helping you stretch the value of your rewards even further.

Pros

Up to $300 annual travel credit good for a wide variety of travel expenses.
Access to airport lounges via Chase Sapphire Lounges and the Priority Pass Select network (enrollment required).
1:1 points transfer to a long list of airline and hotel loyalty program partners.

Cons

The annual fee may be hard to swallow for some, even with the potential credits.
You’ll need excellent credit to be approved for the card.
Low rewards rate on everyday expenses like groceries and gas.

Card details

Annual fee: $550, plus $75 per authorized user.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: $0.

Best for high rewards on all types of travel: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Why it’s the best

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card * The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers fantastic rewards across all things travel, without having to pledge loyalty to a specific brand or book through the issuer. That makes it a unicorn among other travel cards that are either cobranded or require booking through the bank’s travel site.

Pros

Ultra-high rewards on hotels with any brand and high rewards on airfare and other travel.
Rewards can be pooled with other Wells Fargo cards.
Robust travel protections cover your trip, baggage and cellphone protection.

Cons

Limited number of travel transfer partners.
Lacks lounge access and other elite perks like hotel or rental car status.
Lackluster rewards on everyday spending categories like groceries and gas.

Card details

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on hotels, 4 points per $1 on airlines, 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: None.

Best for high rewards on travel and dining: American Express® Green Card

Why it’s the best

The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) may come with an annual fee slightly above its entry-level travel card peers, but its high rewards on travel and dining, plus the annual statement credits, can far outweigh that carrying cost.

Pros

Earns generous rewards on a wide array of travel spending, plus dining too.
Annual CLEAR® Plus and LoungeBuddy credits are worth more than the annual fee. Enrollment required.
Valuable travel insurances and protections.

Cons

The LoungeBuddy credit may not be enough for frequent flyers.
The annual fee is higher than competing travel cards.
Redeeming your rewards for cash-back offers poor value for your points.

Card details

Annual fee: $150.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Foreign transaction fee: None.

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best travel credit card for renters: Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Why it’s the best

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® is one-of-a-kind because you can earn rewards on paying rent without any additional transaction fees. Add in more than a dozen airline and hotel transfer partners, a long list of travel protections and other perks and this no-annual-fee card is one of the best travel cards on the market. You can even save up your Bilt Rewards toward a future down payment on a home.

Pros

Points are worth 25% more on travel booked through Bilt.
You can spend your way to elite status tiers, unlocking different benefits at each level.
The issuer offers bonus rewards and other benefits on the first of every month.

Cons

You have to use your card at least five times each statement period to earn rewards.
No welcome offer for new cardholders.
It’s best for renters as mortgage statements can’t be paid with the card.

Card details

Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: 1 point per $1 on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each year), 2 points per $1 on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), 3 points per $1 on dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. At least five transactions must be made per statement period to earn these rewards.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign currency conversion fee: None.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. Factors we considered included:

Estimated annual earnings: 33%.
Flexibility of rewards earned on the card: 10%.
Booking flexibility with the card: 10%.
Hotel earnings: 8%.
Airline earnings: 8%.
Annual fee: 5%.
Free checked bag perk: 3%.
Lounge access: 3%.
Annual credits: 2%.
Potential credits: 2%.
Global Entry application fee reimbursement: 2%.
TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement: 2%.
CLEAR Plus application fee reimbursement: 2%.
Trip delay coverage: 2%.
Trip cancellation coverage: 2%.
Baggage delay coverage: 2%.
Hotel elite status: 2%.
Number of travel companions eligible for primary cardholder’s checked bag perk: 1%.
Flight companion certificate with card ownership: 1%.

What is a travel credit card?

A travel credit card is a card that earns points or miles on your spending and usually offers the best redemption values when those rewards are used for travel.

Generally, there are two types of travel rewards cards:

Cobranded cards: These earn a specific currency tied to an airline or hotel brand, like Delta SkyMiles or Hilton Honors points.
Flexible cards: These earn “flexible” rewards, like American Express Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou points, that can be used to book travel across several hotels and airlines.

Co-branded cards typically earn higher rewards for purchases made within the brand and general travel cards tend to earn rewards that can be redeemed for more types of travel.

How do travel credit cards work?

With a travel credit card, you’ll earn points or miles as you spend. When you’ve accumulated enough rewards, you can redeem them for flights, hotels and other travel expenses. Redemption options will vary depending on your card. Some issuers offer boosted redemption rates for booking through their travel portal, while others allow you to transfer points directly to airline and hotel partners or apply them as a statement credit to cover travel charges made with the card.

Many travel credit cards also come with perks for travelers, like a free checked bag for your flight, a free annual hotel night or a credit towards the application fee for a trusted traveler program like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

“Travel rewards cards are a great way to leverage personal and business card use and turn it into free airline tickets and hotel rooms. Be sure to choose a card that has rewards that are applicable to your preferred airline and hotel brands”, said John Ulzheimer, president of The Ulzheimer Group and nationally recognized credit expert.

Benefits of travel credit cards

Travel rewards credit cards offer a range of benefits to frequent and occasional travelers alike:

Earn rewards for everyday spending. Use your travel credit card to pay for purchases you’d be making anyway and earn rewards you can use for travel.
Lower the out-of-pocket cost of travel. Whether you use your points to pay for airfare, nights at a hotel or for a rental car, redeeming your earnings for travel can significantly reduce the cost of a trip.
Receive free nights, checked bags and other perks. Many cobranded credit cards come with a free night perk or waive the fees for checking luggage, both of which can save you money and may be worth more than the cost of the card itself.
Enjoy new travel experiences. Stories abound of people who have used their credit card rewards to take over-the-top luxury trips. Even if an overwater villa in the Maldives is not your thing, having enough points for a free flight or hotel may be enough incentive to nudge you towards taking a trip to a new city or to see family and friends in far-flung places.

What is Priority Pass and how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know about this airport lounge network

Who should get a travel credit card?

Most people can benefit from a travel credit card. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or are just looking for an occasional getaway, there’s likely a travel rewards card out there that can help you maximize your savings.

Consider how you like to travel and what you’re looking to achieve with a new travel card. Points and miles programs can be complex, and some travel credit cards require time and energy to get the most value. Other credit cards offer straightforward redemption as statement credits to offset a variety of travel spending you do directly with airlines, hotels and other travel services. Take time to plan how you would get the most out of a prospective rewards program and its transfer partners, or whether you’d be better off with a simpler approach.

Before you shell out a high annual fee for a perk-laden card, consider if the benefits it comes with are ones you’d actually use. In many cases, taking full advantage of statement credits, anniversary bonuses and other perks like free nights can more than offset the annual fee.

If you rarely travel and are considering saving up over a long period of time for a trip, keep in mind that rewards don’t earn interest. In fact, rewards often lose value over time and may even expire. It’s a general best practice not to sit on your rewards for too long.

Types of travel credit cards

Travel credit cards often provide a wide range of benefits, from travel and purchase protections to airfare and hotel redemptions.

Understanding the different types of travel rewards cards is the first step to finding the right card for you. There are several major types of travel credit cards:

Airline-specific cards

The best airline credit cards offer exclusive discounts and rewards when you use them with a specific airline. Many also offer free companion tickets or priority boarding benefits. Examples of cobranded airline cards include:

Hotel-specific cards

These cards may give you access to exclusive discounts at certain hotel chains and resorts, as well as rewards to be redeemed for free nights or upgrades. Hotel loyalty status is a common benefit among the best hotel credit cards. Examples of cobranded hotel cards include:

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Flexible points cards

These cards allow you to earn points for every dollar spent that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals and other travel bookings. Major issuers often offer boosted earning or redemption rates when using their online travel booking portals. These cards may also allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel partners, providing the most flexibility when it comes to redemptions. Examples include:

Flexible rewards vs. airline or hotel credit cards

For those who travel often but don’t have a particular brand loyalty, the best travel card is likely one that earns flexible rewards on every purchase. Flexible rewards are not tied to a specific airline or hotel loyalty program but rather to a card issuer’s travel agency redemption program. Chase Ultimate Rewards® and American Express Membership Rewards® are two examples, but Capital One offers Miles, Citi offers ThankYou® Points and other major issuers have similar reward programs.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards offer rewards tied to a loyalty program with the airline or hotel, and typically offer better value with that carrier or brand, but not as much flexibility with redemption options. Only apply for a card like this if you’re sure the brand is the one you want.

If you only take an occasional trip, then a more flexible reward card may be a better choice.

Cash-back cards offer simpler reward redemptions and the rewards earned can still be used toward future trips or redeemed for gift cards or other rewards if travel remains a priority.

How to compare and choose the best travel rewards card

When it comes to choosing the right card for your needs, there are several factors to consider:

What type of rewards do you want to earn? General points that can be used for travel expenses with different airlines and hotels are more flexible, but if you’re loyal to a particular travel brand you can earn their specific currency and enjoy elevated status and other perks.
Does the card come with a good welcome bonus? Many cards offer a generous welcome bonus (sometimes called a sign-up bonus) when you spend a certain amount on purchases in the first few months of receiving the card. This can be an easy way to get an infusion of rewards when you first open your account — but when calculating a card’s value, remember the welcome bonus is a one-time deal.
Are you willing to pay the annual fee? Some cards have no annual fee, while others come with a hefty price tag but offer more generous rewards or benefits. Make sure you understand all the fees before making a decision so that you don’t end up paying for benefits you won’t actually use.
Does it come with any additional benefits that offer value? Card perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access or exclusive discounts and offers can help make your travel smoother and your card more cost effective.

Wondering how two top travel cards compare to each other? We break down the differences between the Capital One Venture X vs. the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Evaluating reward potential

“Something to keep in mind when it comes to earning travel rewards is that your mileage may vary. Often the best value redemptions will come when used for less-traveled destinations or off-peak travel times. And your rewards redemptions don’t have to be luxurious to be meaningful. Some of my most cherished memories have come from when I’ve used rewards to visit family and friends where the location was not the focus,” – Robin Saks Frankel, USA TODAY Blueprint lead editor credit cards

We evaluate the reward potential of travel rewards credit cards based on what we’d expect a household in the 50th percentile of wage earners to spend each year on a credit card. We gather these figures from government sources and other publicly available data.

In a year, we expect a household might spend about $25,087 of this on a credit card. Of this credit card spending, we’d expect about $2,941 to be spent on overall travel — which breaks down as $1,188 spent on airfare, $868 spent on hotels and $885 spent on all other travel. For frequent travelers carrying high-annual-fee travel rewards cards — like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , which charges an annual fee of $395 — we expect about twice this much spending in the travel categories.

The Capital One Venture X earns 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and on purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 in annual expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card. Here’s how our sample household would fare with the Capital One Venture X Card:

SPENDING CATEGORY	SPENDING AMOUNT	MILES PER $1	MILES EARNED
Hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One	$3,506	10	35,060
Airfare booked through Capital One Travel	$2,376	5	11,880
Other	$19,205	2	38,410
TOTAL	$25,087		85,350

The cardholder in this example earns a grand total of 85,350 miles annually, which is worth $853.50 if used to book travel through Capital One or when eligible travel is booked elsewhere and you redeem your miles to cover the purchase.

The right travel card can net you lucrative rewards. But make sure to select a card based on your spending and travel habits — the best card for travel will differ from person to person.

Tips for maximizing your travel credit card

There are several ways to get the most out of your travel credit card:

Pay your bill on time every month and aim to pay it in full. If you carry a balance, the accumulated interest fees will likely be more than the value of any rewards earned on the card.
Try to earn the card’s welcome bonus. Top travel cards offer outsized welcome bonuses for new cardholders who can meet a minimum spending requirement. Earning that bonus can give a nice boost to your rewards balance.
Be aware of the perks your card offers. Many travel cards offer discounts or statement credits for travel-related spending, like a discount within a hotel collection, cellphone insurance or elite status within a brand. Knowing what your card comes with means you can fully maximize those benefits.
Don’t sit on your rewards for too long. Unlike money in the bank, travel rewards do not earn interest and may actually be worth less over time. The value of your rewards is often tied to the cash price of travel and travel only tends to get more expensive year-over-year.

How to travel for cheaper with travel cards in 2024

New year, new travel possibilities. What’s more, it’s entirely possible to travel for cheaper by maximizing your credit card strategy with the right travel cards in hand. There are droves of rewards cards to choose from, so it can be hard to choose the right one for you.

Travel credit cards earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars and more, helping you subsidize the cost of your trip expenses. Beyond earning rewards, some cards even come with airport lounge access or credits to offset your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

For many travelers, a one-punch solution is the best fit. We’re talking about general travel credit cards, which earn rewards through a bank like American Express, Capital One, Chase, or Citi and don’t tie you to a specific airline or hotel program. Instead, the cardholder has the choice to redeem their earnings how they please toward any travel purchase.

Best places to travel with rewards in 2024

Portugal

While a European summer vacation never goes out of style, traveling during the shoulder season is the true winner. With fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations and pleasant weather, a fall trip to Portugal this year should be on your list.

If you’ve got travel rewards cards from American Express, Bilt, Capital One, Chase or Citi, you can transfer your points or miles over to the Air Canada Aeroplan program. You can book a business class flight from Miami (MIA) to Lisbon (LIS) in October 2024 for just 70,000 miles one way.

Costa Rica

There’s so much to love about Costa Rica, from its lush jungles to the natural wildlife. Plus, this Central American country is quite accessible from many states in the U.S. With two main international airports — Liberia (LIR) and San José (SJO) — the toughest decision you’ll need to make is which part of Costa Rica to visit.

Many major U.S. airlines fly to Costa Rica, so redeeming your rewards for a flight shouldn’t be too difficult depending on where your loyalty lies. For example, United Airlines offers a flight from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Liberia (LIR) with a layover in Houston (IAH). You’ll pay just 20,000 MileagePlus miles one-way — even during the peak winter season.

Hawaii

One of the best ways to fly the whole family to Hawaii is by setting your sights on the British Airways Avios program. Earning points is a breeze: You can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards®, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Citi ThankYou® Points or Capital One Miles to this program at a simple 1:1 ratio.

Because British Airways is part of the Oneworld airline alliance, you can redeem your Avios for partner airlines like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Both of these carriers offer plenty of routes to the Aloha State.

Nonstop routes are priced favorably for just 17,500 Avios plus $18.10 in taxes and fees for a one way flight from the West Coast. Depending on when you’re traveling, you may also be able to find multiple award seats per flight. This is great news for big families.

Alternatives to travel credit cards

Instead of earning points or miles, you might consider a cash-back credit card to get a percentage back on all your purchases. Cash-back cards are generally more straightforward than travel rewards programs — after all, a dollar is a dollar — and often come with no annual fees.

If you’re not ready to commit to a travel rewards program or simply don’t travel enough to reap the full benefits of a travel credit card, a cash-back credit card is a great way to still earn rewards on spending.

When it comes to choosing a cash-rewards card, you can keep it simple with a straightforward flat-rate card such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which earns 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Or you can pick a card with higher rewards rates in your biggest spending categories. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Rewards Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout. The card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Additional reporting by Stella Shon

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

There’s no one “best” card that’s right for everyone. The best travel card for you will depend on a combination of factors including how often you travel, how you travel, your tolerance for annual fees and what you’re looking for in a travel card.

Generally speaking, the best travel credit cards earn bonus category rewards on airfare, hotels, car rentals and even dining. These cards typically also offer bonus points or miles when you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the account. Some will also offer perks such as travel protections, elite status with an airline or hotel loyalty program, priority boarding and airport lounge access.

The exact credit score needed for a travel rewards credit card will vary depending on the issuer and the specific card. Generally, you will need at least a good credit score, typically from 670 to 739 on the FICO Score scale — to be approved for most travel rewards cards. However, some of the more premium cards may require an excellent credit score, typically defined as a FICO Score of 740 or higher.

The most rewarding travel rewards cards, including most of the cards on this list, are not likely to offer approval to anyone without a good or better credit score. Some issuers also have rules in place preventing you from applying for a credit card, travel or otherwise, if you’ve applied for a certain number of cards within a certain period of time.

The best type of card for you will depend on your spending habits and your financial goals. If you’re a loyal frequent flyer with an airline, an airline rewards card might make the most sense. If you spend plentifully at a specific hotel brand, you may be better suited to a hotel credit card.

If you’re not sure, or you have a wider variety of needs, a card with flexible point currencies — like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — may be a better bet.

Finally, If you’re looking for a simple way to get cash back on everyday purchases, then a cash-back credit card may be the way to go. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences — and in some cases, you might have a pattern of spending that justifies having both in your wallet.

The exact value of a point or mile earned on a travel credit card will depend on the type of point or mile and how you redeem it. In most cases, you should look to get at least a penny per point of value. Points values vary because many airline and hotel pricing structures are dynamic and will change based on demand. The points values tend to be somewhat fixed however and this can lead to redemption values worth more – or less – than 1 cent each. Transferring rewards to airline programs when allowed and redeeming for business and first-class seating can often yield greater values per point.

Yes, travel credit cards with annual fees are worth it if you make the most of what the card has to offer. While travel credit cards with annual fees aren’t necessarily worth it for everyone, they certainly can be if you know you’ll get more value from the rewards and benefits than you’ll pay to hold the card each year. Generally speaking, the higher the annual fee, the better the perks.

If you’re earning flexible rewards such as American Express Membership Rewards® Points or Chase Ultimate Rewards®, these generally don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

However, points or miles earned on cobranded cards are a mixed bag. Some points don’t expire for the life of your account, while others will expire if there’s no account activity within the last 12 to 24 months. Read your card’s terms and conditions to see the expiration policy for your rewards.

There’s no difference between points and miles on a credit card, they’re simply two different ways to describe rewards. Airline cards tend to use the term “miles” (probably because it evokes the spirit of the miles you fly), while hotel and general rewards cards tend to use the term “points.” However, the two terms serve the same purpose: they’re a way of measuring both the rewards you earn on a particular credit card and the number of rewards it will take for a particular redemption.

There’s no one “best” card for international travel since there’s no one “best” way to travel. The best credit card for international travel for you will be the one where the rewards rates best align with your spending patterns. You’ll also have to decide if a card that comes with robust benefits is worth paying the annual fee versus a card with less bountiful benefits but a lower annual fee.

^{For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.}

^{For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please visit this page.}

^{For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.}

^{²Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.}

*The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card, American Express® Green Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, JetBlue Plus Card, United℠ Explorer Card and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Robin Saks Frankel

BLUEPRINT

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Grace Pilling

BLUEPRINT

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

Best travel credit cards of July 2024

our partner

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Editor’s take

Card details

Best travel credit cards

Best credit card for travel

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Editor’s take

Card details

Best hotel card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Editor’s take

Card details

Best cobranded airline card

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Editor’s take

Card details

Best for airport lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Editor’s take

Card details

Best for simple redemption process

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Editor’s take

Card details

Best for high value with a low annual fee

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Editor’s take

Card details

Best for increased redemption value

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Editor’s take

Card details

Best for high rewards on all types of travel

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Card details

Best for high rewards on travel and dining

American Express® Green Card

Welcome bonus

Annual fee

Regular APR

Credit score

Editor’s take