9 Best Travel Credit Cards Of 2024

Charity Jerop
May 26, 2022
9 Best Travel Credit Cards Of 2024

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Do you travel frequently and need the best travel credit card? Whether traveling for work, leisure, or other reasons, it costs money to travel. The exciting news is that there are travel hacks that can save you money while globetrotting. With a travel credit card, you can receive rewards that you can redeem to free trips and hotel stays. Also, some travel cards can offer emergency support like travel insurance and may not charge you to make overseas transactions.

Today’s article looks at the best travel credits to make your next trip less costly and fun.

What To Consider In A Travel Credit Card?

Consider several things if you’re looking to get a travel credit card. There’s no one size fits for these cards, and knowing what to consider can help you reap more card benefits. 

The first thing to consider is the card type. Are you looking for a company-branded or general travel credit card? These two types of cards have their pros and cons. The co-branded travel credit cards are often associated with an airline or a hotel and can offer exclusive perks. For instance, you can get a free check for your bags or extra hotel amenities. An example is the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card which offers a free checked bag and annual companion fare starting at $121. You can only redeem the rewards with that particular company which is one of the downsides of co-branded cards.

The general travel credit cards, on the other hand, offer plenty of spending options. You can use your rewards to pay travel expenses or redeem them for a statement credit.

Another thing to look for in a travel credit card is the APR (Annual Percentage Rate). The APR is the borrowing cost on your card, and it can depend on your credit score. Some credit cards like Discover It Miles have 0% intro APR which means you enjoy interest-free balance transfers and purchases, and other cards may not have this intro offer.

Do you travel overseas? You might want to consider the card’s international use and charges. Visa and Master Card, for example, are widely used worldwide, while others may not work in all destinations around the globe. Some travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees, while others do. With a zero-foreign-fee card, you can make overseas purchases without any transaction costs.

Travel perks are also things to look for when shopping for a travel credit card. These cards come with travel benefits like travel insurance and airport lounge access. You can get reimbursement for lost or delayed baggage, trip delay, interruption or cancellation, and car rental damage.

Another variable to look for is the annual card fee. Discover It Miles, for instance, charges zero annual fees, while Chase Saphire Reserve charges a $550 annual fee.

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

A travel credit card helps you get travel points for every eligible purchase. Once you hit the redeemable limit, you can convert your travel credit card points to cash for your statement credit or use them to pay for your next flight or hotel stay. 

For example, with Chase Saphire Reserve, you can get 5X points on flight purchases and 10X points on Chase Dining purchases. You can then convert them for travel purchases or statement credit and get 50% more.

Some travel credit cards have annual fees, while others require zero fees. Travel credit cards with annual fees offer more travel rewards and perks. Also, options to redeem your travel credit card points vary depending on your credit card company.

Best Travel Credit Cards To Save Money On Your Next Trip

The best time to get your travel credit card is now. We understand that picking the right travel credit card can be exciting and confusing, and we’ve analyzed and compiled a list of the nine best travel credit cards for you.

Discover it® Miles Credit Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. Discover it® Miles offers instant account freezing, Dark Web monitoring, and assistance in removing personal information, ensuring robust protection against potential security threats.
  2. Accepted nationwide by 99% of credit card-accepting locations, this card provides seamless and widespread usability for your summer travel needs.
  3. Enjoy a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, providing a valuable period of interest-free flexibility for managing expenses during your travels.
  • No annual fee
  • Unlimited 1.5x Miles on every purchase
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months
  • Discover Match® doubles Miles in the first year
  • Flexible redemption options with no minimum amount
  • Security features like account freeze, Dark Web monitoring, and personal information removal
  • Access to FICO scores
  • Rewards rate may be lower compared to travel cards with an annual fee
  • Foreign acceptance may not be as widespread as Visa or Mastercard

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. Enjoy 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase, maximizing the overall value of each point.
  2. Synergy with other Ultimate Rewards® cards allows users to consolidate points on the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, unlocking enhanced redemption opportunities.
  3. Receive a complimentary two-year membership and discounted third-year membership for Lyft Pink All Access, adding unique value beyond traditional travel benefits.
  • A powerful card for travel enthusiasts with a winning combination of bonus categories and elevated redemption rates.
  • From airport lounge access to travel credits, the card offers a comprehensive suite of perks for a premium travel experience.
  • Transfer points to leading loyalty programs, enhancing flexibility and maximizing point value.
  • While beneficial for frequent travelers, the $550 annual fee may be a deterrent for those with lower spending on travel and dining.
  • The highest rewards are linked to Chase Ultimate Rewards® bookings, potentially restricting earning potential for those preferring alternative travel arrangements.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

card_name

(Terms Apply – Rate and Fees)

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. Earn a credit for future travel after reaching $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, enhancing the card's ongoing value.
  2. Ideal for international travelers, the card eliminates foreign transaction fees, saving money on purchases made abroad.
  3.  The innovative Send & Split® feature enables users to send money and split card purchases with Venmo or PayPal users directly from the Amex App, enhancing financial transaction convenience.
  • Multipliers on various spending categories make the card versatile for everyday and travel expenses.
  • Free checked bags, priority boarding, and in-flight purchase savings enhance the travel experience for Delta loyalists.
  • Competitive, but may be considered a drawback, particularly after the first-year introductory period.

American Express® Gold Card

card_name

(Terms Apply – Rate and Fees)

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. The metal card adds a touch of elegance.
  2. No foreign transaction fees make it an excellent companion for international travel.
  3. The $100 experience credit with a two-night stay through The Hotel Collection enhances the overall travel experience.
  • Rich rewards for dining and travel-related expenses.
  • Valuable annual credits that can significantly offset the annual fee.
  • Points transferable to various loyalty programs.
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • High annual fee, which may not be justified for those who don’t heavily spend on dining and travel.
  • The dining and Uber credits might not be fully utilized by everyone.
  • Limited introductory APR options.

Citi Premier® Credit Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. Ideal for globetrotters, the card ensures that you won't incur extra charges when using it abroad.
  2. The ability to transfer ThankYou® Points to participating airline loyalty programs opens up opportunities for maximizing the value of points.
  3. The annual hotel savings benefit adds extra value, helping offset the annual fee.
  • Strong bonus points and additional points for specific travel expenses.
  • Triple points on essential spending categories.
  • No foreign transaction fees and flexible redemption options.
  • Faces tough competition from other travel credit cards at a similar annual fee.
  • Points may not offer as much value as some competitors, especially for travel redemptions.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. Members can enjoy a 25%-75% boost in points, potentially earning up to 2.62 points for every $1 spent, further enhancing the card's value.
  2. The inclusion of contactless payment options ensures both security and convenience, making transactions a breeze, especially when on the go.
  • No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
  • 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles.
  • Flexible redemption options for travel and dining.
  • Contactless payment for added convenience.
  • Preferred Rewards bonus for enhanced point earning.
  • Points for cash redemption have a lower value.
  • Travel and dining redemptions are limited to the most recent 2,500 qualifying purchases.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Credit Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

$75

Regular APR

16.24%-24.24%

Credit Required

Good/Excellent

Annual Fees

$75

Regular APR

16.24%-24.24%

Credit Required

Good/Excellent

Why we like it:

  1. Book stays at over 400,000 locations using your miles.
  2. Upgrade to First Class and experience luxury travel.
  3. No foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal companion for international adventures.
  4. Enjoy a 20% discount on Alaska Airlines in-flight purchases.
  • Generous Mileage Plan rewards program with a wide network of partner airlines.
  • Versatile redemption options, including low-mileage award travel.
  • No foreign transaction fees for hassle-free international travel.
  • First-year annual fee waiver.
  • The $75 annual fee after the first year might be a deterrent for some budget-conscious travelers.
  • The variable APR could be higher for those with lower credit scores.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

card_name

(Terms Apply – Rate and Fees)

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. Miles with no expiration date and no earning limit.
  2. Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
  3. Two complimentary lounge visits per year.
  4. Transfer miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs.
  • High rewards rate on all purchases.
  • Generous sign-up bonus.
  • Flexible redemption options.
  • Travel-friendly perks with lounge access and no foreign transaction fees.
  • $95 annual fee may be a deterrent for some.
  • APR on the higher side for those carrying a balance.

Is It Worth Getting A Travel Credit Card?

The right travel credit card is worth it because you can use the reward points to cover your travel expenses. Travel credit card points can accumulate quickly, especially if you travel frequently. These credit cards’ extra travel perks can help you save time and guarantee coverage in unexpected emergencies.

Additionally, you can redeem travel points for statement credits or use them for your everyday shopping. A free checked bag offer can help you save several hundred dollars on your travels. Additionally, free passes to airport lounges and other amenities offered by credit cards can make your trip enjoyable.

Do you want to learn more about rewards credit cards? Here at Penny Calling Penny, we focus on helping you figure out the best credit card that fits your needs. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest accurate and valuable information on credit cards sent straight to your inbox.

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