Best 10 Travel Credit Cards 2024
In 2024, travel enthusiasts can take advantage of a variety of credit cards designed to maximize rewards, benefits, and travel experiences. The best travel credit cards offer enticing sign-up bonuses, flexible point redemption options, and perks like lounge access and travel insurance.
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Among the top contenders, cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Capital One Venture Rewards card stand out for their generous rewards structures and valuable point transfer options to airline and hotel partners. The American Express Platinum card continues to be a favorite for frequent flyers, providing extensive travel perks, including access to premium airport lounges and comprehensive travel insurance. Additionally, many cards are offering increased rewards on everyday spending categories, such as dining and groceries, which can further accelerate your earning potential. As travel resumes and expands, these cards provide the opportunity to earn rewards that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and unique experiences, making them essential tools for savvy travelers looking to enhance their journeys in 2024.
Chase Sapphire PreferredView AllChase Sapphire Preferred - Unlock travel rewards with Chase Sapphire Preferred!
Capital One VentureView AllCapital One Venture - Travel rewards that take you further, effortlessly.
American Express GoldView AllAmerican Express Gold - Elevate your lifestyle with American Express Gold.
Citi Premier CardView AllCiti Premier Card - Unlock rewards, travel perks, and financial flexibility!
Discover it MilesView AllDiscover it Miles - Earn miles effortlessly, travel more with Discover it Miles!
Marriott Bonvoy BoundlessView AllMarriott Bonvoy Boundless - Unlock limitless adventures with Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
Delta SkyMiles GoldView AllDelta SkyMiles Gold - Earn more miles, travel smarter with Delta SkyMiles Gold!
United Explorer CardView AllUnited Explorer Card - Travel further with rewards on every adventure!
HSBC Travel RewardsView AllHSBC Travel Rewards - Unlock your journey with HSBC Travel Rewards.
Bank of America Travel RewardsView AllBank of America Travel Rewards - Earn rewards on every adventure with Bank of America!
Best 10 Travel Credit Cards 2024
1.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its generous sign-up bonus and flexible earning potential. Cardholders earn 2x points on travel and dining at restaurants, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program at an increased value, or transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners. The card also offers travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, and a low annual fee, making it an attractive choice for frequent travelers.
Pros
High rewards rate- flexible points redemption
- travel perks
- no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
High annual fee- foreign transaction fees
- limited bonus categories
- and redemption restrictions.
2.
Capital One Venture
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is designed for travelers seeking to earn rewards on their purchases. Cardholders earn unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, with the flexibility to redeem miles for travel expenses, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. The card offers a generous one-time bonus for new cardholders after meeting a spending threshold within the first few months. Additionally, it features no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travelers. Other perks include travel insurance and access to exclusive experiences through Capital One.
Pros
- Flexible rewards
- no foreign transaction fees
- travel perks
- and easy redemption options.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited rewards on non-travel purchases
- foreign transaction fees apply.
3.
American Express Gold
The American Express Gold Card is a premium rewards credit card designed for food lovers and travelers. It offers 4x Membership Rewards points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Cardholders enjoy benefits such as a $120 dining credit annually, no foreign transaction fees, and access to exclusive events. With a competitive annual fee, the Gold Card is ideal for those who frequently dine out and seek to maximize rewards while enjoying valuable travel perks.
Pros
- High rewards on dining
- flexible points redemption
- travel perks
- and no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited acceptance
- foreign transaction fees
- lower rewards on some categories.
4.
Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card is a versatile travel rewards credit card that offers a generous points-earning structure. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 1 point on all other purchases. It features a substantial sign-up bonus, travel protections, and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for frequent travelers. Additionally, points can be transferred to various airline loyalty programs for added flexibility. With a competitive annual fee, the Citi Premier Card is designed for those who want to maximize their rewards on everyday spending and travel.
Pros
- Earn valuable travel rewards
- flexible redemption options
- no foreign transaction fees
- and strong sign-up bonus.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited travel partners
- foreign transaction fees
- complex rewards structure.
5.
Discover it Miles
Discover it Miles is a travel rewards credit card that offers unlimited 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. New cardholders can enjoy a unique sign-up bonus of matching all the miles earned in the first year. With no annual fee, it provides flexibility and ease in redeeming miles for travel expenses or cash back. The card also features a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, making it a great option for those looking to earn rewards while managing expenses.
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5x miles on every purchase
- no annual fee
- flexible redemption options.
Cons
- Limited redemption options
- no travel insurance
- foreign transaction fees
- lower rewards rate on non-travel purchases.
6.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a premium credit card that offers travelers a range of benefits geared towards enhancing their hotel stays and experiences. Cardholders earn points for every dollar spent, with bonus points on Marriott purchases. The card provides a free night award annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and opportunities to achieve higher elite tiers. Additionally, it features no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance benefits. With its robust rewards structure, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is designed for frequent travelers seeking to maximize their stays with Marriott properties.
Pros
- Generous points earning
- flexible redemption options
- no foreign transaction fees
- and complimentary anniversary night.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited bonus categories
- blackout dates
- and varying hotel quality.
7.
Delta SkyMiles Gold
Delta SkyMiles Gold is a rewards program offered by Delta Air Lines, designed to enhance the travel experience for frequent flyers. Members earn miles on flights, which can be redeemed for free tickets, seat upgrades, and other travel perks. The Gold tier provides benefits such as priority boarding, a free checked bag, and access to exclusive promotions. Additionally, members can earn miles through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards and enjoy no blackout dates on award travel. This program is ideal for those who frequently travel with Delta and seek added convenience and value.
Pros
- Flexible reward redemption
- free checked bags
- priority boarding
- and no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited award availability
- expiration of miles
- fewer benefits than premium cards.
8.
United Explorer Card
The United Explorer Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent United Airlines flyers. It offers 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. Cardholders enjoy benefits such as a free checked bag, priority boarding, and access to United Club lounges after a qualifying purchase. Additionally, the card provides an annual United travel credit, no foreign transaction fees, and special bonus miles upon reaching a spending threshold in the first few months.
Pros
- Earn miles
- free checked bags
- priority boarding
- travel insurance
- and no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- High annual fee
- limited earning potential
- foreign transaction fees
- and redemption restrictions.
9.
HSBC Travel Rewards
HSBC Travel Rewards is a credit card designed for avid travelers, offering a range of benefits to enhance travel experiences. Cardholders earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and travel experiences. The card features no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international use. Additionally, it provides access to exclusive travel insurance, concierge services, and discounts on hotel bookings. With a focus on maximizing rewards for travel-related spending, HSBC Travel Rewards is perfect for those looking to elevate their travel adventures.
Pros
- Flexible redemption options
- no foreign transaction fees
- bonus points on travel spending.
Cons
- High annual fees
- limited redemption options
- foreign transaction fees
- complicated rewards structure.
10.
Bank of America Travel Rewards
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offers a no-annual-fee option for travelers seeking rewards on their purchases. Cardholders earn unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases, with no expiration on points. Additionally, users earn 3 points per dollar on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center. New cardholders can benefit from a generous sign-up bonus after meeting a spending threshold. The card also features no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel.
Pros
- No annual fee
- unlimited 1.5x points
- flexible redemption options
- no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- High redemption thresholds
- limited bonus categories
- foreign transaction fees
- and no lounge access.