Traveling is a wonderful experience, but it can be expensive. Fortunately, there are 10 Best travel rewards credit cards in USA that can help you save money on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. These cards offer a variety of benefits, such as points and miles that can be redeemed for travel, cash back, and other rewards.
In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best travel rewards credit cards in USA. We will examine the features of each card, including rewards, fees, and other benefits, and provide a comparison of the cards to help you choose the one that best fits your needs.
10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards In USA
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
This card offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. The points can be redeemed for $750 in travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. You also earn 2x points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. The annual fee is $95.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This card offers 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, or still earn 50,000 miles if you spend $3000 on purchases in the first 3 months. The miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, including flights, hotels, and rental cars. You earn 2x miles on every purchase, and the annual fee is $95.
3. American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. You also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, 4x points at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x points on all other purchases. The annual fee is $250.
4. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
This card offers 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. You earn 2x miles on purchases made directly with Delta, at restaurants worldwide, and at U.S. supermarkets. You also earn 1x miles on all other purchases. Other benefits include priority boarding, a free checked bag, and 20% savings on in-flight purchases. The annual fee is $99.
5. Citi Premier Card
This card offers 80,000 bonus ThankYou points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. You earn 3x ThankYou points on air travel and hotels, 3x ThankYou points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 1x ThankYou point on all other purchases. Other benefits include a $100 annual hotel savings benefit and no foreign transaction fees. The annual fee is $95.
6. United Explorer Card
This card offers 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You also earn 2x miles on United purchases, at restaurants and eligible delivery services, and hotel stays. You also earn 1x miles on all other purchases. Other benefits include priority boarding, a free checked bag, and two one-time United Club passes each year. The annual fee is $95.
7. Discover it Miles
This card offers an unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases with no annual fee. Miles can be redeemed as a statement credit for travel purchases, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. New card members can also receive an introductory offer where Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
8. Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
This card offers 25,000 bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. You earn 1.5x points on all purchases with no limits, and the points can be redeemed for a statement credit towards travel purchases. Other benefits include no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
9. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
This card offers 100,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. You earn 6x points per $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and 2x points on all other purchases. Other benefits include a free night award every year after your account anniversary, and automatic Silver Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy. The annual fee is $95.
10. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
This card offers 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You earn 2x points on Southwest purchases, at hotels and car rental partners, and 1x points on all other purchases. Other benefits include a $75 annual Southwest travel credit, four upgraded boardings per year, and 7,500 bonus points every year on your account anniversary. The annual fee is $149.
Comparison of the 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards In USA
Now that we’ve reviewed the 10 best travel rewards credit cards in USA let’s compare them based on key factors such as rewards, fees, and other benefits.
1. Rewards and Bonus Points
All 10 cards offer rewards and bonus points, but the amount and earning potential vary. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, and American Express Gold Card offer the most lucrative bonuses, with up to 100,000 points or miles. The Delta SkyMiles Gold and United Explorer Card also offer decent bonuses at 70,000 and 40,000 miles respectively.
In terms of earning potential, the American Express Gold Card offers the most points per dollar spent, especially in popular categories such as restaurants and supermarkets. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture also offer high earning potential on travel and dining.
2. Annual Fees
Annual fees range from $0 (Discover it Miles) to $250 (American Express Gold Card). While a higher annual fee may seem daunting, the rewards and benefits offered by the card can more than make up for it. It’s important to weigh the annual fee against the potential rewards you can earn.
3. Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees can quickly add up when traveling abroad. Fortunately, many of the cards on this list don’t charge foreign transaction fees. The American Express Gold Card, Delta SkyMiles Gold, and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card all waive foreign transaction fees.
4. APR and Balance Transfer Fees
If you plan to carry a balance or transfer a balance from another card, it’s important to consider the APR and balance transfer fees. Most of the cards on this list offer an introductory 0% APR period, ranging from 12 to 15 months. However, balance transfer fees can range from 3% to 5% of the amount transferred.
5. Other Benefits and Features
Finally, it’s important to consider the other benefits and features offered by each card. For example, the Delta SkyMiles Gold and United Explorer Card offer priority boarding and a free checked bag, which can save you money and hassle when traveling. The American Express Gold Card and Citi Premier Card offer annual travel credits, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card offers a free night award every year.
Choosing the Best Travel Rewards Credit Card for You
Ultimately, the best travel rewards credit card for you will depend on your personal spending habits, travel goals, and financial situation. Before applying for any of the cards on this list, consider the following factors:
1. Your travel goals
Are you looking to earn points for flights, hotel stays, or other travel expenses? Consider a card that offers bonus points in those categories.
2. Your spending habits
Do you spend a lot on dining out or groceries? Look for a card that offers bonus points in those categories.
3. Your credit score
Many of the cards on this list require excellent credit, so it’s important to check your credit score before applying.
4. Annual fees
Consider the annual fee and whether the potential rewards and benefits outweigh the cost.
5. Foreign transaction fees
If you plan to travel abroad, look for a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
6. Other benefits
Consider other benefits such as travel credits, priority boarding, and free checked bags.
Tips for Maximizing Your Rewards
- Once you’ve chosen a travel rewards credit card, here are some tips for maximizing your rewards:
- Use the card for all of your purchases, but be sure to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
- Take advantage of bonus categories and promotions to earn extra points.
- Redeem your points for travel expenses such as flights, hotel stays, and car rentals to get the most value.
- Keep track of your rewards and expiration dates to avoid losing out on points.
- Consider transferring points to travel partners for even more value.
Final Thoughts
10 Travel rewards credit cards in USA , can be a great way to earn points and miles for your travel expenses, but it’s important to choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals. Consider the rewards, fees, and other benefits offered by each card before making a decision. With the right card and some savvy spending, you can earn enough points to travel for free or at a steep discount.
Additionally, it’s important to note that travel rewards credit cards are not for everyone. If you tend to carry a balance on your credit cards, the interest charges can quickly negate the value of any rewards earned. It’s also important to use these cards responsibly and not overspend just to earn rewards.
It’s also worth considering other types of Travel rewards credit cards, such as cash back or points cards that can be redeemed for a variety of purchases. These cards may offer more flexibility and can be a better fit for those who don’t travel frequently or have other spending priorities.
Overall, if you are someone who travels frequently or has a significant amount of travel expenses, a travel rewards credit card can be a great way to earn rewards and save money on your trips. Just be sure to do your research and choose the card that is best for you.
