10 Best Travel Credit Cards to Maximize Your Trips in 2024
If you love to travel, a good travel credit card can help you save on flights, hotels, and even in-destination expenses. From earning points and miles to accessing airport lounges and avoiding foreign transaction fees, these cards make travel more affordable and convenient. Here are the ten best travel credit cards to consider for 2024.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Why it’s great for travelers: With a generous rewards program and strong point transfer options, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a favorite for travel. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through the Chase travel portal.
Rewards: Earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase, 2x points on other travel, and 3x on dining and select streaming services.
Annual fee: $95
Best for: Frequent travelers looking for flexible redemption options and valuable point transfers.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Why it’s popular: This card offers a flat 2x miles on every purchase, making it simple to rack up miles quickly. Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses or transferred to travel partners.
Rewards: 2x miles on all purchases, with additional 5x on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Annual fee: $95
Best for: Those who want a straightforward travel rewards program with no complicated categories.
3. American Express® Gold Card
Why it’s ideal for foodies and travelers: The Amex Gold Card rewards both dining and travel, making it a great choice for travelers who also want to earn rewards at restaurants and grocery stores.
Rewards: 4x points on dining and U.S. supermarkets, 3x points on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel.
Annual fee: $250
Best for: Food and travel enthusiasts who want high rewards on everyday spending.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Why it’s premium: With perks like a $300 annual travel credit and access to the Chase travel portal with 50% more point value, this card offers top-tier travel benefits and lounge access through Priority Pass.
Rewards: 10x points on Chase Dining and hotels/car rentals through Chase, 3x points on other travel and dining.
Annual fee: $550
Best for: Frequent travelers who want premium perks, including lounge access and travel credits.
5. Citi Premier® Card
Why it’s great for broad spending categories: The Citi Premier earns points on a wide range of categories, and Citi’s ThankYou Points can be transferred to several airline partners.
Rewards: 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels.
Annual fee: $95
Best for: Travelers who spend across multiple categories and want flexible point transfer options.
6. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Why it’s ideal for luxury travelers: Known for its high-end perks, the Amex Platinum card provides complimentary access to many airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges, as well as extensive travel credits.
Rewards: 5x points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel.
Annual fee: $695
Best for: Luxury travelers who value extensive lounge access, concierge service, and travel credits.
7. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Why it’s beginner-friendly: With no annual fee and multiple bonus categories, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is ideal for new travelers who still want to earn valuable points.
Rewards: 3x points on travel, dining, gas, transit, streaming, and phone plans.
Annual fee: $0
Best for: Beginners or infrequent travelers who want rewards without an annual fee.
8. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
Why it’s a solid no-fee option: With no annual fee and a flat 1.5x points on all purchases, this card is great for those looking for easy rewards and no foreign transaction fees.
Rewards: 1.5x points on all purchases.
Annual fee: $0
Best for: Occasional travelers who want straightforward rewards without annual fees or foreign transaction fees.
9. United℠ Explorer Card
Why it’s a great airline card: United loyalists will enjoy perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and United Club passes. Plus, points can be used on United or other Star Alliance partners.
Rewards: 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels.
Annual fee: $95 (waived the first year)
Best for: Frequent United Airlines flyers who want airline-specific perks.
10. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Why it’s ideal for hotel stays: With solid earnings on Hilton purchases and automatic Hilton Gold Status, this card is perfect for travelers who stay at Hilton properties.
Rewards: 12x points on Hilton purchases, 6x at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Annual fee: $95
Best for: Hilton loyalists who want to earn and redeem points for hotel stays.
Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card
When selecting a travel credit card, consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and preferred travel perks. Whether you’re looking for flexibility in point redemption, premium travel benefits, or rewards on everyday purchases, there’s a travel card on this list to suit your needs. With the right card in hand, you can start earning rewards and enjoying perks that make your trips more enjoyable and affordable.