We all know that traveling is expensive, so why not get the most out of your travel? By choosing one of the best credit cards for travel you can save money and earn miles for future trips. If you’re a frequent or casual traveler, consider adding one of the following best credit cards to your wallet.
Here are the best credit cards for travel miles:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred – $625 in travel
- Capital One Venture – 2x miles on all purchases
- Bank of America Travel Rewards – ideal for Bank of America members
- American Express Premier Rewards Gold – 3x points on flights
- Barclaycard Arrival Plus – 5% statement credit card for redemptions
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card comes with a tremendous sign-up bonus of 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. The 50,000 points you earn are worth $500 in statement credits, $625 in travel through Chase’s travel portal, or they can be worth even more if you transfer them out to loyalty partners like United, Southwest, or Hyatt.
You will also earn 2x points per $1 on travel and restaurants worldwide. The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year.
Many online reviews of this card refer to it as the top travel rewards credit card out there. It’s been a card I’ve held in my wallet for some time, and I even used my Sapphire card to get into the Emmys.
Other Sapphire Preferred Benefits
- There are no foreign transaction fees.
- Account holders that book their travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards receive 25% more value. Travel expenditures include airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises.
- 1:1 points transfer to participating frequent travel programs. Participating programs include British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM, Korean Air SKYPASS, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®, United MileagePlus®, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® and World of Hyatt.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for travelers who value simplicity above everything else. If you aren’t loyal to a particular airline or hotel chain, this may be the card for you. You can redeem your miles for any travel purchases, but don’t have the flexibility to transfer them out to travel partners. You also will earn 2x miles on all purchases regardless of the category.
Other Capital One Benefits
- New account holders will earn 50,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first three months. After that, account holders earn unlimited two miles per dollar spent on every purchase.
- This card also offers the flexibility to book your own travel through any website or app, and benefits can go towards any airline, hotel, or rental car company.
- There are no foreign transaction fees.
- No blackout dates for air travel.
BankAmericard Travel Rewards Credit Card
The BankAmericard Travel Rewards Credit Card is a basic card for travelers looking for no foreign transaction fees and an EMV chip for no annual fee. This no annual fee credit card doesn’t compare with the rewards on the new premium Bank of America travel credit card.
Consumers with an existing bank account with Bank of America can see higher rewards rates depending upon their existing balance. Those holding $50,000 or more in their account will receive a points bonus that puts their rewards rates up to 2.25% – 2.63%. In general, existing account holders get an additional 10% customer points on average, which increases to a 25% – 75% bonus for Preferred Rewards clients.
Benefits
- 2o,000 online bonus points if you make at least $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. This translates to a $200 statement credit towards travel purchases.
- No website and blackout date restrictions.
- Unlimited 1.5% points per $1 on all purchases and points don’t expire.
- No annual fee for everyday spending.
- No foreign transaction fees and EMV trip for security when traveling abroad.
- Higher than average rewards for existing Bank of America account holders.
- Required credit score and initial spending threshold are lower than average.
Drawbacks
- Sub-par benefits (1.5% rewards rate) unless you are an existing Bank of America account holder. For non-Bank of America account holders that are bigger spenders and have excellent credit, other cards would offer better rewards.
American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card
One particularly unique benefit offered by the American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card is the $100 Airline Fee Credit. Account holders can get $100 a calendar year for baggage or other incidental charges at one airline. You will earn 3x points per $1 on airfare purchased directly from the airline. The Amex PRG card also offers a $75 hotel credit and a free room upgrade upon arrival, when available with rooms in hotels in the Hotel Collection. This best credit card is perfect for those travelers that want flexibility and spend on airline purchases.
Other Amex PRG Benefits
- 25,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first three months.
- Account holders receive triple points for flights booked directly with airlines, double points at U.S. restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets, and 1 point on all other purchases.
- $100 airline credit and a $75 hotel credit plus a free room upgrade upon arrival, when available with the Hotel Collection.
Drawbacks
- $195 annual fee (although there is no annual fee for the first year). This $195 annual fee is particularly steep.
- American Express isn’t as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard internationally.
- Bonus points benefits are only available for expenditures made at qualifying U.S. merchants.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard
For those travelers looking for a credit card that earns travel miles that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, the Arrival Plus can be a good fit. You will also receive a 5% rebate on all award redemption.
Other Barclaycard Arrival Plus Benefits
- New account holders will earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first three months. That translates to a $400 travel statement credit.
- Cardholders earn double points on all purchases.
- Miles can be redeemed for travel, cash back statement balances, gift cards, and merchandise.
- Account holders get 5% back to use towards their next redemption every time they redeem.
- Miles don’t expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Travel accident and trip cancellation insurance.
Drawbacks
- You need excellent credit to qualify.
- $89 annual fee (although there is no annual fee for the first year). This is lower than average for travel cards that require an annual fee.
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Capital One Venture vs Sapphire Reserve
Forbes has partnered with JohnnyJet for our coverage of Chase credit products. JohnnyJet may receive compensation from Chase.
