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best credit cards for travel

Maximize Your Trips: Top Credit Cards for Travel

Best Credit Cards for Travel

From hotel stays to flights and dining, a travel-focused credit card can help you accumulate valuable points and enjoy exclusive perks.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

  • Sign-up bonus: 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
  • Rewards: Up to 17x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x on other travel purchases and 1x on all other purchases.
  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Perks: Free Night Award every anniversary, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 Elite Night Credits annually.

Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

  • Earning potential: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.
  • Redemption flexibility: Points can be redeemed for statement credits toward travel purchases, including cruises.
  • Additional benefits: No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

  • Sign-up bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
  • Rewards: 2x miles on all purchases.
  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Perks: Transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs, up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Cruise Line Credit Cards

Several cruise lines offer co-branded credit cards that provide exclusive benefits:

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

  • Sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value
  • Rewards: Unlimited 3x points restaurants, travel, gas, transit and even streaming services and phone plans. Plus, earn 1x points on other purchases.
  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Perks: Redeem points for travel, gift cards and purchases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

  • Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 through Chase Travel).
  • Rewards: 5x on travel through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, 2x on other travel and 1x on all other purchases.
  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Perks: 25% more value on points redeemed through Chase Travel, travel insurance and $50 annual hotel credit​.

The Platinum Card from American Express

  • Sign-up bonus: 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
  • Rewards: 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 5x on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel.
  • Annual fee: $695.
  • Perks: Extensive travel benefits including access to over 1,300 airport lounges, up to $200 in Uber credits annually and up to $200 airline fee credit​.

Why Should You Get a Travel Credit Card?

There are so many reasons to get a travel credit card. Here are some of the major benefits:

Earn Rewards and Points

Most travel credit cards offer points or miles for every dollar spent, with higher rewards for travel-related purchases such as flights, hotels and car rentals.

Travel Perks and Benefits

Travel credit cards typically offer attractive benefits such as airport lounge access, priority boarding and free checked bags. Not only do these perks save you money in the long run, but they can provide you with a more comfortable and calm journey.

Special Discounts and Offers

Many travel credit cards offer exclusive discounts with travel partners such as airlines, hotel chains and car rental companies. Some even provide access to unique events, such as concert tickets, sporting events and culinary experiences.

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