A travel credit card for good credit is a valuable financial tool that can enhance your travel experiences while providing numerous benefits. These cards offer a range of perks, including rewards points, travel insurance, and access to airport lounges. For individuals with a strong credit history, a travel credit card can be a cost-effective way to finance your trips and enjoy exclusive privileges.
By understanding the various features and benefits available, you can select the best travel credit card that aligns with your travel preferences and financial goals.
10 Best Travel Credit Cards
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Key features: Flexible Ultimate Rewards points, travel insurance, airport lounge access (through Priority Pass)
- Rewards program: Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, 2x points on all other purchases
- Annual fee: $95
- APR: 18.49% – 30.49% variable
- Pros: Versatile rewards, excellent travel benefits, strong sign-up bonus
- Cons: High annual fee, not ideal for those who prefer cash back
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Key features: Flat-rate rewards, no foreign transaction fees
- Rewards program: Earn 2x miles on every purchase
- Annual fee: None
- APR: 18.24% – 29.24% variable
- Pros: Simple rewards structure, no foreign transaction fees, excellent value for money
- Cons: Limited travel benefits compared to premium cards
3. American Express® Gold Card
- Key features: Bonus points on dining and groceries, hotel credits
- Rewards program: Earn 4x points on dining, 3x points on groceries, 1x point on all other purchases
- Annual fee: $250
- APR: 18.49% – 30.49% variable
- Pros: Excellent rewards for dining and groceries, hotel credits
- Cons: High annual fee, limited travel benefits
4. Citi Premier® Card
- Key features: Flexible rewards points, travel insurance
- Rewards program: Earn 3x points on travel, 3x points on dining, 1x point on all other purchases
- Annual fee: $95
- APR: 18.49% – 30.49% variable
- Pros: Competitive rewards, travel insurance
- Cons: High annual fee, not ideal for those who prefer cash back
5. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Key features: Cash back rewards, no annual fee
- Rewards program: Earn 3% cash back on dining and travel, 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
- Annual fee: None
- APR: 18.49% – 30.49% variable
- Pros: No annual fee, simple rewards structure, cash back flexibility
- Cons: Lower rewards rates compared to other travel cards
6. Discover it® Miles
- Key features: Double miles on all purchases during the first year
- Rewards program: Earn 1.5x miles on all purchases
- Annual fee: None
- APR: 13.99% – 25.99% variable
- Pros: Double miles during the first year, no annual fee
- Cons: Lower rewards rate after the first year
7. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
- Key features: No annual fee, flat-rate rewards
- Rewards program: Earn 2x miles on all purchases
- Annual fee: None
- APR: 18.24% – 29.24% variable
- Pros: Simple rewards structure, no annual fee
- Cons: Limited travel benefits compared to premium cards
8. Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Key features: Rotating quarterly bonus categories, cash back rewards
- Rewards program: Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories, 3% cash back on dining and travel, 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
- Annual fee: None
- APR: 18.49% – 30.49% variable
- Pros: Rotating bonus categories, cash back flexibility
- Cons: Requires planning to maximize rewards
9. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Key features: Hilton Honors points, hotel benefits
- Rewards program: Earn 8x points on Hilton purchases, 7x points on all other purchases
- Annual fee: $95
- APR: 18.49% – 30.49% variable
- Pros: Excellent rewards for Hilton stays, hotel benefits
- Cons: Limited flexibility compared to general travel cards
10. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Key features: Marriott Bonvoy points, hotel benefits
- Rewards program: Earn 6x points on Marriott purchases, 3x points on dining and flights
- Annual fee: $650
- APR: 18.49% – 30.49% variable
- Pros: Excellent rewards for Marriott stays, hotel benefits
- Cons: High annual fee, limited flexibility compared to general travel cards
How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?
Travel credit cards are a type of rewards credit card that offer points or miles for your purchases, which can then be redeemed for travel-related expenses.
- Earn Points or Miles: Every time you use your travel credit card for purchases, you earn points or miles. These are typically earned at a higher rate for travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals. However, some cards offer bonus points or miles on everyday purchases as well.
- Redeem for Travel: Once you’ve accumulated enough points or miles, you can redeem them for travel-related expenses. This could include:
- Flights: Many airlines have partnerships with travel credit card issuers, allowing you to redeem your points or miles directly for flights.
- Hotels: Similar to airlines, many hotel chains have partnerships with credit card issuers. You can redeem your points or miles for hotel stays.
- Car Rentals: Some travel credit cards offer discounted rates or free upgrades for car rentals.
- Other Travel Expenses: Depending on the card, you may also be able to redeem your points or miles for other travel expenses like cruise vacations, vacation packages, or airport lounge access.
- Consider Fees: Some travel credit cards have annual fees, so it’s important to weigh the benefits against the cost. Additionally, be aware of any foreign transaction fees if you plan to use your card overseas.
In essence, travel credit cards offer a way to earn rewards for your everyday purchases and use those rewards to offset the cost of your travels.
Choosing the Best Travel Card
Selecting the right travel credit card depends on your individual needs and travel habits. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Travel Habits:
- Frequent Flyer: If you frequently fly with a specific airline, a co-branded airline credit card can offer significant benefits like companion passes or priority boarding.
- Hotel Loyalty: If you prefer staying at a particular hotel chain, a co-branded hotel credit card can provide perks like free nights or room upgrades.
- General Traveler: If you don’t have a strong preference for a specific airline or hotel chain, a general travel credit card with flexible rewards points or miles can be a good option.
2. Rewards Program:
- Points or Miles: Consider whether you prefer points or miles. Points are typically more versatile, as they can be redeemed for a variety of travel expenses. Miles are often tied to specific airlines or hotel chains.
- Transferability: If you value flexibility, look for a card with transferable points that can be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs of your choice.
3. Annual Fee:
- Benefits vs. Cost: Evaluate whether the annual fee is justified by the benefits offered by the card. If you don’t travel frequently or don’t value the perks, a no-annual-fee card might be a better choice.
4. Additional Benefits:
- Travel Insurance: Consider cards that offer travel insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation or baggage loss protection.
- Airport Lounge Access: If you frequently travel through airports, a card with airport lounge access can provide a comfortable and relaxing space to relax before your flight.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: If you plan to travel internationally, look for a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
5. Credit Score:
- Qualification Requirements: Be aware of the credit score requirements for the cards you’re considering. If you have a lower credit score, you may need to opt for a card with a lower approval threshold.
Travel Cards vs. Cash Back Cards
Travel credit cards and cash back cards are both popular types of rewards credit cards, but they offer different benefits. Here’s a comparison:
Travel Credit Cards
- Rewards: Points or miles that can be redeemed for travel expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Benefits: Airport lounge access, travel insurance, priority boarding, and other travel-related perks.
- Best for: Frequent travelers who want to maximize their travel rewards.
Cash Back Cards
- Rewards: Cash back on purchases, which can be redeemed for cash or statement credits.
- Benefits: Simplicity and flexibility, as cash back can be used for any purchase.
- Best for: Individuals who want a straightforward rewards program and don’t prioritize travel rewards.
Key differences
| Feature | Travel Credit Card | Cash Back Card |
| Rewards | Points or miles | Cash back |
| Redemption | Travel expense | Cash or statement credits |
| Benefits | Travel-related perks | None or limited |
| Best for | Frequent travelers | Individuals who want simplicity and flexibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good credit score for a travel credit card?
A good credit score typically falls within the range of 670-739. However, some issuers may consider applicants with lower credit scores, although they might offer less favorable terms.
How do I choose the best travel credit card for my needs?
Consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and desired benefits. If you frequently travel for business, a card with airport lounge access and travel insurance might be ideal. If you prefer to redeem points for merchandise or experiences, a card with a variety of redemption options could be a good fit.
Can I use a travel credit card for everyday purchases?
Yes, you can use a travel credit card for everyday purchases. Many cards offer bonus points or miles for specific spending categories, such as travel, dining, or groceries.
What are the risks of using a travel credit card?
If you’re not careful with your spending, you can easily accumulate debt. It’s important to use your travel credit card responsibly and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Can I transfer points from one travel credit card to another?
Some travel credit cards allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs. However, this option is typically available for cards issued by the same financial institution or through transfer partners.
Conclusion
A travel credit card for good credit can be a valuable tool for maximizing your travel rewards. By carefully considering the key features and frequently asked questions, you can choose the right card to enhance your travel experiences. Remember to use your card responsibly and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.