The Best Travel Credit Cards: Compare and Choose the Right One for You
Discover the best travel credit cards that offer valuable rewards, travel perks, and benefits. From travel insurance to elite status, these cards can help you save on your next trip.
Best for Travel Dining: American Express Gold Card
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months
- 4X points on dining and U.S. supermarkets, 3X points on flights, and 2X points on prepaid hotels
- Annual fee: $325
Best for Welcome Bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
- 60,000 points are worth $750 towards travel
- Annual fee: $95
Best for No-Interest Period: Citi Simplicity Card
- 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers, 12 months on purchases
- No annual fee
- Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transfer (min $5), then 5% (min $5)
When choosing the best travel credit card for you, consider the following:
- Travel rewards rates
- Annual fees
- Welcome bonuses
- Intro-APR offers
Compare credit cards based on your needs and preferences. Look for cards with high-value rewards, travel perks, and benefits like travel insurance, elite status, and airport lounge access.
Pros and Cons of Travel Credit Cards:
- High-value rewards
- Luxury perks: airport lounge access, automatic elite status, and statement credits
- Large welcome bonuses
- Complicated redemptions
- Costly: many of the best travel credit cards have higher annual fees
- Harder to get: typically require a higher credit score
How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card:
- Consider your travel habits and goals
- Evaluate the features and benefits of each card
- Read reviews and ratings
- Compare cards based on your needs and preferences
Read CNBS Select’s Methodology:
- We analyzed over 250 credit cards issued by FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions
- Compared cards on rewards, annual fees, welcome bonuses, intro-APR offers, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees
- Considered additional perks, cardholder protections, and redemption options
- Used consumer spending data to determine the most useful bonus categories
Get Started:
Compare credit cards, check your credit score, and apply for the right card for your travel needs. Don’t miss out on rewards and perks that can make your next trip more affordable and enjoyable.