Why this is the best travel credit card for sign-up bonus: The Chase Sapphire Preferred’s sign-up bonus is one of the most valuable bonuses available on a mid-tier travel credit card. We value Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, meaning this value packs a $1,200 punch.

Current bonus: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months (valued by TPG at $1,200).

Rewards rate: Earn 2x on dining and travel purchases

Travel benefits: When you redeem your points for travel through the Chase portal, you get a 25% bonus that makes your points worth 1.25 cents each. The CSP also comes with an entire suite of travel protections, including trip delay insurance, trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay and lost luggage coverage and primary rental car insurance.

Annual fee: $95

Why it’s worth it: We’ve long suggested the Chase Sapphire Preferred as a great option for those who are new to earning travel rewards, because it lets you earn valuable, transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points with strong bonus categories and a reasonable annual fee. You’ll earn a solid return (4% back) on dining and travel on top of your generous sign-up bonus, and you have access to some of the best travel protections offered by any travel rewards credit card. If you are a frequent Lyft customer, you’ll enjoy the 5x on Lyft rides currently offered on the card, and fans of DoorDash food delivery service can take advantage of at least one year of DashPass membership. While you won’t get the same travel credits or lounge access as you do with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this is the perfect starter travel credit card for anyone who can’t justify a higher annual fee, yet.

Further reading: Chase Sapphire Preferred review

APPLY HERE: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for earning miles

Why this is the best travel credit card for earning miles: With the Capital One Venture, you’re earning double miles on every single purchase. That makes it easy to rack up rewards without having to juggle different bonus categories or spending caps.

Current bonus: Earn 50,000 Capital One miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months (valued by TPG at $700*).

Rewards rate: Earn 2x miles on every purchase

Travel benefits: You get an up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years, which is a nice additional perk for a mid-tier card that only costs $95 a year.

Annual fee: $95 (waived the first year)

Why it’s worth it: The Capital One Venture was already a solid value proposition with a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100), but you can also transfer the miles you earn with this credit card (as well as the VentureOne credit card and Capital One’s two Spark Miles cards) to several airline transfer partners including Avianca, Etihad and Singapore Airlines. Plus Capital One just added Accor and Wyndham hotels as transfer partners. The transfer ratio is 2:1.5 for most partners, though some have a less-lucrative rate of 2:1.This means that for every dollar you spend on this card, you’re effectively getting 1-1.5 points or miles with a partner airline. This greatly enhances the potential value you can get with this card, as miles are no longer worth a fixed 1 cent apiece. Plus it’s the one card The Points Guy — Brian Kelly — can’t live without.

Further reading: Capital One Venture Card review

APPLY HERE: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee

Why it’s the best travel credit card for no annual fee: With the VentureOne, you’re earning Capital One miles on every purchase, with no annual fee.

Current bonus: 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months.

Rewards rate: Earn 1.25x miles on every purchase

Travel benefits: Compared to the Venture, this card doesn’t have any perks such as travel credits. However, that’s to be expected with a no-annual-fee card. You do get valuable protections, including travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, purchase security and extended warranty.

Annual fee: $0

Why it’s worth it: If you are a beginner traveler spending less than $12,667 a year, this is a great starter credit card for earning miles. You’re earning Capital One miles, which TPG values at 1.4 cents each, and you can redeem them as a statement credit or you can transfer to one of Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partners. If you decide that you would like the added earning capabilities and perks of the Venture, you can always request an upgrade down the line.

Further reading: Capital One VentureOne review

APPLY HERE: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Platinum Card from American Express: Best for lounge access

Why it’s the best travel credit card for lounge access: With the Amex Platinum, you’ll have access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection (which includes Centurion Lounges), Priority Pass, Airspace and Escapes lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta). No other card (other than the business version) offers this kind of access to lounges around the world.

Current bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months (valued by TPG at $1,200). However, be sure to check the CardMatch Tool to see if you’re targeted for a higher welcome bonus (offer subject to change at any time).

Rewards rate: Earn 5x points on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex.

Travel benefits: The Amex Platinum really is the king of luxury travel benefits. You’ll get up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $200 in Uber credits, up to $100 in credit at Saks Fifth Avenue and up to $100 credit for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee once every four years. Plus, you’ll get unparalleled lounge access, automatic elite status with Hilton and Marriott and complimentary memberships with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive.

Annual fee: $550 

Why it’s worth it: As you can see, a ton of factors contribute to this credit card’s overall value; it’s not just the 60k bonus that lands it near the top of this list. But even apart from the $500 in credits each year and various lounge access options, the Amex Platinum is a stellar premium travel credit card that can pave the way to some amazing award flights and other redemptions. Among the Membership Rewards program’s 20 travel partners is Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, which is your only option if you want to book the ultra-premium Singapore Suites using miles. Other highlights include an amazing 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airline or through Amex Travel (equal to a 10% return on these purchases) and the ability to add three authorized users for a total of $175.

Further reading: American Express Platinum review

APPLY HERE: Platinum Card from American Express

APPLY HERE: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass: Best for hotel rewards

Why it’s the best travel credit card for hotel rewards: Hilton is one of the top hotel brands in the world, and the Hilton Honors Surpass Amex will help you earn rewards while upgrading your hotel stay experiences.

Current bonus: Earn 125,000 bonus points after you use your new card to make $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.

Rewards rate: Earn 12x on eligible Hilton purchases, 6x at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, 3x on everything else

Travel benefits: With this card, you get complimentary Hilton Gold elite status and a free weekend night after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in the calendar year.

Annual fee: $95 

Why it’s worth it: Hilton’s mid-tier card, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass, offers a terrific haul of points and an array of perks to make your stays more rewarding and enjoyable. In fact, the card is a solid offering even for travelers who stay at Hilton properties just a few times a year, since it offers an excellent 12x bonus category on spending at eligible Hilton properties — equivalent to a 7.2% return based on TPG’s point valuations — along with automatic Gold status, which will unlock perks like complimentary breakfast.

Further reading: Hilton Honors American Express Credit Card review

APPLY HERE: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card: Best for commuters

Why it’s the best travel credit card for commuters: The 3x you’ll earn with this card includes (but isn’t limited to) flights, hotels, taxis, ridesharing, car rentals, passenger railways and trains, ferries, tolls, limos and gas stations. No matter your preference for getting to the office, you’re almost guaranteed to get 3x.

Current bonus: 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Rewards rate: Earn 3x on travel, dining (eating out and ordering in), gas stations purchases and select streaming services.

Travel benefits: This is a no-annual-fee card, meaning it doesn’t offer a ton in the way of travel benefits. However, you will get cell phone protection (important if you’re always on the go), as well as an array of standard purchase and travel protections.

Annual fee: $0

Why it’s worth it: For no annual fee, you’re getting quite a lot of bang for your buck with the Wells Fargo Propel. It has a similar rewards structure to the American Express® Green Card, but with the addition of select streaming services. You can also pair the Propel with the Wells Fargo Visa Signature® Card to redeem all of those points earned at 1.5 cents each (which is the same as the travel portal redemption rate on the Chase Sapphire Reserve). If you spend $50,000 on the card a year, that actually increases to 1.75 cents each. Anyone looking to maximize their rewards game without paying any annual fees should seriously look into this underrated duo.

Further reading: Wells Fargo Propel card review

Note: The information for the Wells Fargo Visa Signature card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

APPLY HERE: Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card

Bank of America Premium Rewards: Best for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry

Why it’s the best travel credit card for TSA PreCheck: It’s not incredibly common for a mid-tier card to offer a perk like a TSA PreCheck application fee credit. This card not only offers that benefit but also a solid rewards rate and other travel benefits.

Current bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening (valued by TPG at $500).

Rewards rate: Earn 2x on travel and dining purchases, 1.5x on everything else

Travel benefits: In addition to the up to $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit, you’ll also get an up to $100 airline incidental statement credit for qualifying purchases. Bank of America Preferred Rewards elites can also supercharge their traveling purchases by earning an additional 25%-75% points on every purchase.

Annual fee: $95

Why it’s worth it: You might not think of the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card as a typical travel credit card, since the points it earns can’t be transferred to travel partners but rather are redeemable at 1 cent apiece for cash, gift cards or by booking travel at the Bank of America travel portal. But it can potentially be a valuable option for your purse or wallet as an everyday spending card. Its basic earning rates are reasonable, but where the card really shines is if you’re able to participate in Bank of America’s separate Preferred Rewards program. Reach the top Platinum Honors tier in Preferred Rewards and you’ll earn a 75% bonus on each purchase you make with this card, bringing the earning rate on travel and dining expenses to an impressive 3.5 points per dollar and the everyday earning rate on all other purchases to a market-leading 2.625 points per dollar.

Further reading: Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card review

Ink Business Preferred: Best for businesses

Why it’s the best travel credit card for businesses: The Ink Business Preferred earns rewards across multiple business categories and gives users access to one of the most valuable rewards programs available today, Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Current bonus: Earn 80,000 after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months (valued by TPG at $1,600)

Rewards rate: Earn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone services and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines.

Travel benefits: The Ink Business Preferred comes with great protections for when you’re traveling, including primary rental car insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay insurance and more. The card also gives you access to the Ultimate Rewards program.

Annual fee: $95

Why it’s worth it: For only $95 a year in annual fees, you can rack up an impressive number of points with this card. You’re getting 3x across a wide range of business expenses (including travel), and those points can be redeemed for 1.25 cents each through the Chase travel portal or for even more value when you strategically transfer your rewards to one of Chase’s partners. Of course, you’re also getting one of the most valuable sign-up bonuses available right now. While the card doesn’t come with any luxury benefits or travel credits, you do get solid travel protections, cell phone protection and more.

Further reading: Ink Business Preferred card review

APPLY HERE: Ink Business Preferred

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: Best for airline rewards

Why it’s the best travel credit card for airline rewards: When it comes to cobranded airline cards, it doesn’t get much better than Delta’s lineup of cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex is a great card for travelers hoping to hit Medallion elite status with the airline while racking up miles across a wide range of purchases.

Current bonus: Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles — 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after your first anniversary of card membership. (Offer expires April 1, 2020)

Rewards rate: Earn 3x on eligible Delta purchases and hotel stays, 2x on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 1x on everything else

Travel benefits: The revamped Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex offers a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100), an annual companion certificate for a domestic Main Cabin round trip ticket each year, elite-like perks like a free checked bag and priority boarding and a way to hit Medallion status faster. Earn 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after $25,000 in eligible purchases and another 10,000 MQMs after spending $50,000 in a calendar year, and you’ll also get a Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) waiver after spending $25,000 in a calendar year.

Annual fee: $250

Why it’s worth it: Delta and Amex recently relaunched all seven of their cobranded cards with a new suite of benefits and limited-time welcome offers. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex added enhanced bonus categories (including increased 3x earning on Delta) and a host of new travel benefits. The card’s annual fee did increase to $250, though, so make sure you will get at least that much in value from the card each year. This card is best suited for regular travelers who are loyal to Delta and want a little help earning Medallion status with the airline.

Further reading: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex Card review

APPLY HERE: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Best for international travel

Why it’s the best travel credit card for international travel: Marriott properties can be found all over the world, which means this card can help you fund your trip no matter where you’re going. You’ll also pay no foreign transaction fees when you swipe the card outside the U.S.

Current bonus: Earn 75,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Rewards rate: Earn 6x at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2x on all other purchases

Travel benefits: You’ll earn 15 elite night credits every year, good enough for Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status and just 10 nights away from Gold. Plus, you’ll receive a free award night good for stays costing up to 35,000 points every year after your account anniversary.

Annual fee: $95

Why it’s worth it: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is a TPG reader favorite — it even won Best Cobranded Hotel Credit Card at the 2019 TPG Awards. If you stay at Marriott properties on a regular basis, this is a great time to get this card and score its 75,000 welcome bonus. Just make sure you’re aware of the card’s complicated application restrictions, which could prevent you from earning the sign-up bonus depending on what Marriott cards you have had in the past or currently have across both the Chase and American Express Marriott card portfolios.

Further reading: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card review

APPLY HERE: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

American Express Gold Card: Best for worldwide dining

Why it’s the best travel credit card for worldwide dining: The Amex Gold earns 4x on dining worldwide with no foreign transaction fees, meaning you’ll get an 8% return on purchases (based on TPG valuation). This makes it one of the best personal cards to use when you eat out, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Current bonus: Earn 35,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months (valued by TPG at $700). However, be sure to check the CardMatch Tool to see if you’re targeted for a higher welcome bonus (offer subject to change at any time).

Rewards rate: Earn 4x at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 spent each year; then 1x), 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Travel benefits: You’re getting an up to $100 annual airline fee credit with this card that can be used on things like checked baggage, inflight food and beverages, seat assignments and more. Plus, you’ll get up to $120 in dining credits each year when you pay with the Amex Gold card at participating dining partners.

Annual fee: $250

Why it’s worth it: Amex revamped its Premier Rewards Gold Card in 2018 and reintroduced it as the Amex Gold Card, with new bonus categories and a strong focus on dining. With this credit card, Amex finally has a strong option for dining purchases. The annual fee is now $250 and not waived the first year, but thanks to the new earning rates and benefits, it could be worth it for you.

Further reading: American Express Gold review

APPLY HERE: American Express Gold Card

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card: Best for Alaska Airlines miles

Why it’s the best travel credit card for Alaska Airlines miles: Alaska Airlines miles are among the most valuable airline miles you can earn today, in part due to Alaska’s mix of airline partners and its distance-based award chart (as opposed to revenue-based)

Current bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus miles, plus a $100 statement credit and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare from $121 ($99 fare, plus taxes and fees from $22) after you spend $2,000 or more on purchases in the first 90 days your account is open.

Rewards rate: Earn 3x miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases

Travel benefits: Get a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six guests on your reservation, receive an annual Companion Fare (starting at $121) on your account anniversary, enjoy 50% off Alaska Lounge and 20% back on all inflight purchases.

Annual fee: $75

Why it’s worth it: Whether you live on the West Coast or not, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature is a good cobranded airline card to consider adding to your wallet. Right now, the card is offering a limited time welcome bonus worth $820 according to TPG valuations. While the Seattle-based airline is currently mostly limited to North America routes (with some international destinations through partners), that will change in 2021 when the airline joins the Oneworld alliance. The announcement came alongside the news that American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are renewing (and strengthening) their partnership. Both new developments for Alaska Airlines will help them add new ways for customers to utilize the Mileage Plan program while establishing a global footprint for the airline.

Further reading: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature review

APPLY HERE: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines flyers

Why it’s the best travel credit card for American Airlines flyers: If you fly American Airlines often, it can be handy to have a cobranded credit card from the airline in your wallet. The Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select offers a nice mix of benefits and earning opportunities for a very manageable $99 annual fee, which makes it great for AA flyers who aren’t looking for lounge access or an abundance of luxury perks.

Current bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,500 in the first three months of account opening

Rewards rate: Earn 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, restaurants and gas stations.

Travel benefits: You’ll get preferred boarding, a free checked bag on domestic itineraries, inflight discounts on eligible inflight purchases, access to reduced mileage awards and a $125 American Airlines flight discount when you spend more than $20,000 in a calendar year and renew your card.

Annual fee: $99

Why it’s worth it: For a low annual fee, American Airlines customers can enjoy elite-like benefits without breaking the bank or needing to hit an elite status tier. You’re getting 2x (a 2.8% return) on three different bonus categories and a few nice benefits to help make the flight experience more enjoyable. Plus, the card is currently offering a welcome bonus that TPG values at $840. If you know how to maximize your AA redemptions, that bonus could potentially be worth even more.

Further reading: Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select card review

APPLY HERE: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

Every type of airline, hotel and flexible bank point and mile is worth a different amount, so you can’t assume that a 50,000-point bonus on one card is equivalent to a 50,000-point bonus on another. That’s why The Points Guy maintains a guide to point and mile valuations, which explains how much each type of points and miles are worth for all the major programs. You can use those valuations to determine how much a sign-up bonus is actually worth, or even a bonus category.

For instance, Amex Membership Rewards are worth 2 cents each based on TPG’s valuations, which means the 60,000-point bonus on the Amex Platinum is worth $1,200. That’s because 60,000 x 2 cents = $1,200. And since that card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare, you can also determine that each dollar you spend on airfare will get you 10 cents back in points, because 5 points x 2 cents = 10 cents.

Is an annual fee worth it?

Many of the top travel rewards credit cards do come with hefty annual fees. But cardholders who maximize the perks and rewards structures on these cards will almost always come out net positive by the end of the year.

For example, while the Amex Platinum comes with a $550 annual fee, you’re getting up to $500 in annual credits, unrivaled lounge access, a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit, elite status with Hilton and Marriott and so much more in return. If you’re utilizing your credits every year and visiting lounges regularly, that annual fee is already paying for itself even before factoring in any rewards you earn with the card.

Even cards that don’t offer a lot in the way of travel credits are oftentimes worth the annual fee for cardholders. Take the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, for example. There are no travel credits to offset the cost of the annual fee, but you only have to spend $2,375 on dining and travel each year in order to make the annual fee worth it ($2,375 x 2 points per dollar = 4750 points; 4750 points x 2 cents per point = $95). If you know you’ll use the benefits and perks offered by each card while also earning rewards through bonus category spending, annual fees are easily worth it.

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

Ideally, you should have a mix of both types of cards in your wallet. Travel credit cards are great when you want to redeem points and miles for travel purchases, but you aren’t getting a great redemption value when you redeem for pretty much anything else. Cash-back cards, on the other hand, can be used to offset the cost of expenses your points and miles won’t cover.

Let’s say you are taking a trip to London in the spring. With the points earned through your Amex Platinum, you’ve transferred points to partners for your award flights and hotel stays. However, those aren’t the only expenses that go into a trip. Points and miles won’t cover expenses like ground transportation, eating out or tourist attractions while you’re there. But you can use cash back rewards as a statement credit to offset those costs. For example, if you use a cash back card like the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card for your dining and entertainment spending while abroad, you can use cash back you’ve saved up previously to cover those purchases while still earning 4% back.

If you are wondering which type of card would be best as your first travel credit card, consider what type of rewards you will find more valuable. Cardholders who only plan to travel every once and a while may be able to get more value out of a cash back card that they can use to offset the cost of other expenses. However, if you are hoping to use your new card rewards to book award flights and hotels for an international trip, a travel credit card is going to be the way to go.

Are there different considerations for choosing a card for international travel?

Not all travel credit cards are the best choice for spending outside of the U.S. Some tack on fees for expenses not made within the U.S. or on a U.S. site. Others may not be as broadly accepted oversees. Plus, some cards do a better job of offering benefits that help you on your international adventures.

Here are a few of the things to look out for when choosing a card for international travel:

• Foreign transaction fees — Some cards charge a flat fee (typically 3% to 5% for each transaction) when you use your card outside of the U.S. (including sites that are considered international and not U.S.-based). That fee will wipe out any rewards you may earn, so you want to make sure you have a card that charges no foreign transaction fees.
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry — TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can make security lines go faster and reentry into the U.S. a smoother process. Luckily, plenty of top travel credit cards come with a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit that is typically worth $100.
• Insurance benefits — 2019 saw the decline of travel insurance benefits across many credit cards, but it remains an important factor to consider. No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario happening while on vacation, but it’s better to be prepared with a card that offers some form of travel protections.
• Earning abroad — Some cards limit your bonus categories to U.S. merchants. If you plan on using your credit card abroad, make sure you’re choosing a card that will earn rewards on purchases no matter where you are traveling to.

Bottom Line

Travel credit cards are great credit cards to help meet your vacation goals. When used strategically, they can help you experience the world without costing you thousands of dollars in out of pocket expenses for airfare and hotel costs. Whether you’re a beginner who wants a card to offset the cost of your first big international trip or a road warrior looking to upgrade your travel experiences, there is a travel credit card out there for you. At the end of the day, it all comes down to choosing a card that will help you maximize your specific spending habits and hit your goals.