The majority of individuals wish to travel more, but only a small percentage of them take advantage of the fact that the correct best travel credit cards may help them do so. For travelers, the appropriate credit card may offer a range of advantages that can elevate your travels to a new level, in addition to earning points or miles for future trips. There’s a travel rewards card for everyone, whether you’re a once-in-a-while traveler hoping to save money on your next holiday or a frequent traveler searching for premium amenities like lounge access, waived baggage fees, or priority boarding.
Do you want to know more? Sign-up incentives, money-saving travel and purchase safeguards, and lots of opportunities to earn bonus points or miles are all included in our top selections for the best travel rewards cards. We’ll also show you how the best travel credit cards work and how to get the most out of your travel rewards so you can choose the best card.
15 Best Travel Credit Cards to Enjoy Your Trip in 2022
The best travel credit cards make local and international travel more convenient, and they may also help you earn free flights, hotels, and other amenities. We’ve compiled a list of the best travel credit cards, airline credit cards, and hotel credit cards for all categories of cardholders on the page below. This guide will help you select the best travel credit card for your requirements, no matter what your habits and tastes are.
The best Travel credit cards allow you to accumulate valuable points and miles that you can use to offset the cost of flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. They are also known for giving big sign-up bonuses and extra travel benefits like access to airport lounges and travel insurance. Start planning your vacation now by checking out some of our partners’ best travel credit cards.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a credit card issued by Chase. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is the best credit card for foreign travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, our recommendation for the best overall travel rewards credit card, offers exceptional value and versatility. When redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) site, each point is worth 1.25 cents. You may also transfer them to any Chase Ultimate Rewards (R) transfer partner at a 1:1 rate. The travel insurance features, which are among the most comprehensive we’ve seen for a card with an annual fee in this category, are what actually make this the best credit card for going overseas.
Some of the options are trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay compensation, travel injury insurance, and insurance for delayed or lost luggage. You’ll also get primary rental vehicle insurance, which means you won’t have to file a claim with your own insurance to gain credit card coverage.
Pros
- When redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, you’ll get a generous welcome bonus worth $750 in travel, and you might get much more if you use a Chase transfer partner.
- The best travel credit card earns 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on all other travel transactions.
- When points are redeemed through the Ultimate Rewards platform, they are worth 25% more.
- transfer points to major airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio.
- The benefits of trip insurance are extensive.
- There is no charge for international transactions.
- For each account anniversary year, get up to $50 in statement credits for hotel stays booked via Ultimate Rewards.
cons
- The yearly charge is $95.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a simple, versatile best travel credit card that offers important benefits, making it one of the best travel credit cards for beginners. Through May 16, 2023, you’ll earn a flat rate of 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; and 5 miles per dollar when booking on Turo, the world’s largest car-sharing marketplace, so you won’t have to worry about juggling multiple rewards cards or activating bonus spending categories. Within 90 days, you can use your miles to “erase” travel costs from your credit card statement or send them to one of Capital One’s new transfer partners. This makes your miles easy to use and potentially valuable.
However, while the majority of Capital One’s partners transfer miles at a 1:1 ratio, certain transfer partners transfer miles at a 2:1.5 ratio, making the transfer rate a bit less attractive than what comparable programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards® and American Express Membership Rewards® provide. Also, don’t expect a lot of frills with this card, as the low annual fee means you won’t get features like comprehensive travel insurance, travel credits, or access to airport lounges.
Pros
- A hefty welcome bonus.
- Every transaction earns you 2 miles per dollar; hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel earn you 5 miles per dollar.
- Through May 16, 2023, Turo, the world’s largest vehicle sharing platform, will give you 5 miles for every dollar you spend.
- Transferring miles to over 15 different travel loyalty programs is possible.
- International transaction fee: None
cons
- The yearly charge is $95.
- Travel rewards are few.
3. Hilton Honors American Express Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great deal for a card that doesn’t cost anything every year. To begin with, it comes with a very hefty welcome bonus. Second, even with the inflated value of Hilton points (about 0.5 cents per point, according to our calculations), the card delivers substantial rewards on everyday purchases: Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for qualifying purchases made directly with Hilton hotels and resorts; 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at US restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations; and 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible card purchases.
Finally, the card gives you the Hilton Honors Silver level automatically, with the option to upgrade to Gold status after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases with your card in a calendar year (enrollment required). This card is a keeper since it guarantees Hilton elite membership year after year.
Pros
- A $350 welcome incentive is available.
- Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for qualifying purchases made directly with Hilton hotels and resorts; 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at US restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations; and 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible card purchases.
- $0 annual fee — the best travel credit card with a $0 annual fee
- International transaction fee: none
cons
- There are no terms that apply.
- Benefits and awards are of limited value to people who do not stay with Hilton on a regular basis.
4. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
The Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is the best miles credit card, not just because of its generous sign-up bonus, but also because it’s one of the few airline cards that offer bonus points on a wide range of everyday purchases. The annual cost for this card is $99, but it is waived for the first 12 months. However, if you frequently travel with American Airlines, the money you save on luggage fees may be sufficient to cover the price.
This is especially important if you use the American Airlines AAdvantage frequent-flyer program, because the airline miles you earn with this card may only be used on American Airlines and partner airlines. If you’re not ready to commit to this airline and aren’t seeking the best miles credit card, you could be better off with a more generic travel credit card.
Pros
- a hefty welcome bonus.
- For every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, as well as on qualified American Airlines purchases, you’ll earn 2 AAdvantage® points.
- On domestic flights, the first checked bag is free, and American Airlines offers priority boarding.
- Every year you spend $20,000 and renew your card, you will receive a $125 American Airlines discount coupon. There is no international transaction fee.
cons
- An annual fee is charged.
- Because the free checked bag advantage is only available on local flights, this card is less useful if you frequently fly overseas.
5. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is frequently cited as the best credit card for earning travel points, and for good reason. If you travel a lot, the many premia feature more than make up for the high annual fee. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are valuable (at least 1.5 cents each for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders) and can be used in a lot of different ways. The annual cost is reduced to $250 by a $300 Chase Sapphire Reserve® travel credit, which can be used on anything that qualifies as travel, from airlines and hotels to trains, buses, taxis, and parking garages.
The Priority Pass TM Select membership alone is worth over $400 since it grants you free access to over 1,300 airport lounges around the world. The trip insurance benefits of this card are simply unbeatable. They include main rental vehicle insurance, trip interruption and cancellation insurance, lost or delayed luggage insurance, travel accident insurance, emergency evacuation insurance, and emergency medical insurance.
Pros
- a hefty welcome bonus.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards® rewards flights with 5x points and hotels and car rentals with 10x points.
- When you redeem points through the Ultimate Rewards® site, they’re worth 50% more.
- transfer points to major airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio.
- A $300 annual travel credit
- Free access to over 1,300 airport lounges around the world.
- It’s one of the best travel insurance Best Travel Credit Cards because it includes emergency evacuation and medical coverage.
Cons
- There is no international transaction charge.
- The yearly charge is $550.
- No elite status is available with any airline or hotel loyalty scheme.
6. Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
It’s difficult to find another hotel credit card with such a vast list of benefits as the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card. You’ll get $600 in yearly statement credits and a free Priority PassTM Select membership worth over $400 in exchange for a very high annual fee (enrollment required). With the Hilton Honors points program, you’ll also gain Diamond status, making this the only credit card that automatically grants top-tier status to any hotel loyalty program (enrollment required).
The card’s earning rate is substantial not only on Hilton purchases but also on ordinary purchases like U.S. restaurants — and you can even receive a nice rate on normal purchases. However, because the yearly credits may only be applied to certain particular purchases, this card is best for Hilton loyalists who can use them up.
Pros
- A six-figure sign-on bonus.
- Earn 14X points for eligible purchases made directly with a qualifying Hilton hotel or resort on your card; 7X points for eligible purchases made directly with airlines or amextravel.com; 7X points for eligible purchases made directly with certain car rental providers; and 3X points for all card transactions.
- A weekend night award is given every year.
- Up to $250 in Hilton Resort bill credit
- for up to $250 in airline fees (enrollment required).
- A $100 property credit may be available at participating Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels & Resorts.
- Diamond elite rank is complimentary (enrollment required).
- Free access to over 1,300 airport lounges around the world (enrollment required).
- Fees for international transactions:
- There are no terms that apply.
cons
- The yearly charge is $450.
- There are a few redemption possibilities; points are best used for Hilton stays.
- The card’s trip insurance benefits aren’t as good as those of other premia best travel credit cards; it only covers your luggage and gives you secondary rental car insurance.
- Annual credits might be difficult to redeem, especially if you don’t stay at Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, or Conrad locations.
7. Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
For business owners who want to earn valuable travel benefits, the Ink Business PreferredSM Credit Card is a great option. The card’s sign-up bonus alone may save you $1,250 on travel — and you can save much more if you transfer your points to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners. When compared to other of the best travel credit cards, this card’s travel bonuses and trip insurance advantages are restricted, but you’ll earn big on select business-related spending categories and can receive employee cards at no additional cost. Just make sure you spend enough over the course of the year to cover the $95 yearly charge.
Pros
- If you transfer your Chase points to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners, you’ll get a $1,250 bonus for travel.
- Each account anniversary year, you get 3 points for every $1 spent on travel, shipping, Internet, cable, and phone services, as well as advertising expenditures made through social networking sites and search engines.
- You will earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases, with no cap on how many points you may earn.
- When points are redeemed through the Ultimate Rewards travel gateway, they are worth 25% more.
- You may transfer your points at a 1:1 rate to a comprehensive list of Chase airline and hotel partners.
- You’ll be covered for trip cancellation and interruption, as well as basic rental car insurance.
- The cons of free employee cards
cons
- The yearly charge is $95.
- The minimum spending threshold for the sign-up bonus is rather high.
- When compared to top-tier best travel credit cards, the benefits of travel insurance are minimal.
9. The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you want to earn a lot of points on meals and groceries in the United States but prefer to spend them on travel, the American Express® Gold Card is one of the best options. When redeemed for travel through the Amex site, the American Express Membership Rewards® program gives a few options for using your points, which are worth one penny each. Transferring your points to one of Amex’s travel partners, which include prominent airline and hotel reward programs, may possibly quadruple that value.
This card has many annual credits that can help you make up for the $250 annual fee, but they might be hard to use. The meal credit, which can be used at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and certain Shake Shack locations, is worth up to $120 and is given out in $10 monthly increments (enrollment required).
The $100 hotel credit may only be used on reservations booked via The Hotel Collection for at least two nights, and it can only be used to pay for expenditures like dining and spa services, not the room rate. In the United States, the new annual Uber Cash benefit may be used for Uber trips or Uber Eats. Your American Express® Gold Card must be linked to your Uber app to access this month’s Uber Cash bonus. Note that, unlike other Best Travel Credit Cards, the card permits you to carry a balance on certain, but not all, charges.
Pros
- A generous welcome package
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at US restaurants, plus takeout and delivery; 3X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets (on purchases up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1X); and 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Through the Membership Rewards® program, you can transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
- Up to $10 monthly bill credits for Grubhub and select partner restaurants may save you up to $120 on dining (enrollment required).
- In the form of up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash, you may save up to $120 on Uber trips or Uber Eats purchases in the United States (add your Gold Card to your Uber account).
- The Hotel Collection offers a $100 hotel credit.
- Terms and conditions apply.
cons
- The yearly charge is $250.
- Annual credits might be difficult to completely utilize.
- The safeguards provided by travel insurance are minimal.
- Terms and conditions apply.
9. The Platinum Card® from American Express
When you use the Platinum Card® from American Express to make certain airline and hotel transactions, you may earn a lot of Membership Rewards® points, which can be transferred to one of Amex’s hotel or airline partners. While the card comes with a broad number of yearly credits to help you recoup your annual cost, they might be difficult to use. Once you add your card to the Uber app, you’ll earn up to $200 in Uber Cash ($15 every month and $20 in December), but only for Uber trips or Uber Eats within the United States.
You have to sign up to get the airline charge credit. It can only be used on one airline and only covers small charges. The Platinum Card® from American Express, on the other hand, is hard to match if you’re seeking a credit card with airport lounge access advantages.
You’ll also get access to Delta Sky Club lounges (when flying Delta) and American Express lounges, including American Express Centurion Lounges: How to Get Access, in addition to Priority PassTM Select lounges (membership needed). Note that, unlike other Best Travel Credit Cards, the card permits you to carry a balance on certain, but not all, charges.
Pros
- a hefty welcome bonus.
- On purchases of up to $500,000 per calendar year, earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel reservations made through American Express Travel.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Transfer your points to our airline and hotel partners through Membership Rewards.
- Once you connect the card to the Uber app, you may save up to $200 on trips or food orders in the United States each year.
- Members of the Basic Card and Additional Centurion Cards are the only ones who can use Uber Cash.
- When you use your Platinum Card® to make purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue, you can earn up to $100 in yearly statement credits.
- Up to $50 in statement credits is available twice a year.
- It is necessary to enroll.
- The Global Lounge Collection ® provides complimentary access to airport lounges.
- Up to $200 in hotel credit, redeemable as an annual statement credit for prepaid bookings booked through American Express travel at fine hotels & resorts or The Hotel Collection hotels.
- Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors both provide the gold elite status (enrollment required).
- When you book travel through the Premium Global Assist® Hotline, you get coverage for trip delays and cancellations as well as emergency medical transportation.
- Terms and conditions apply.
cons
- The yearly charge is $695.
- Annual credits might be difficult to completely utilize.
- The bonus spending categories are limited.
10. Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Your alternatives are restricted if you need to develop credit. When it comes to cards that simply demand fair credit and yet provide some rewards, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card is one of the best. While you won’t earn travel rewards with this credit card, it is one of the few cards with no annual fee that don’t impose international transaction fees—especially in the fair credit category.
It also includes travel accident insurance and a collision damage waiver for car rentals. Given the high-interest rate, the best approach to using this card is to establish credit by paying off your debt in full each month. You’ll obtain a free credit score that will help you keep track of your progress. Once you have good credit, you may be able to get a travel credit card with better benefits.
Pros
- Insurance for a rental automobile
- Accidental travel insurance
- There is no foreign transaction charge, and there is no yearly fee.
- The cons of obtaining a free credit score
cons
- There are no incentives.
- Because of the high continuous APR, you should avoid carrying a balance.
11. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
One of the best airlines rewards Best Travel Credit Cards available is the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card. You’ll earn 2X miles on Delta purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the United States, and at U.S. supermarkets, in addition to the substantial welcome incentive. All other qualified purchases will earn you 1 mile. All other purchases will earn you 1 mile. New cards will also pay a $0 annual charge for the first year, followed by $99.
This card gives frequent Delta flyers a lot of great perks and a few extra bonuses to sweeten the deal. Cardholders will receive a free checked bag on every flight, a $100 Delta ticket credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year, and priority boarding in Main Cabin 1 after spending $10,000 in a calendar year. Foreign transaction costs will also be waived for card members.
Pros
- Earnings are consistent across a wide variety of areas.
- Checked luggage is complimentary.
- Boarding priority
- For the first year, there is no yearly cost; after that, it is $99.
- Fees for international transactions: none.
- Advantages of Travel
- Terms and conditions apply.
cons
- Other travel cards provide better sign-up bonuses.
12. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
This card has a lot to offer, in addition to the fantastic introductory incentive that comes with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. For each dollar of qualifying expenditures charged on your card directly to a Hilton Portfolio hotel or resort, cardmembers can earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points. For every $1 spent on your card at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and petrol stations, you’ll earn 6 Hilton Honors Bonus Points. All other qualifying card purchases earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points.
There are certain restrictions. Holders of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card will also get a variety of special perks, such as automatic Hilton Honors Gold elite status and Hilton Honors Diamond level after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year (enrollment required).
Pros
- Complimentary Gold Elite status with Hilton Honors (enrollment required)
- Offer a warm greeting
- with exceptional earnings potential.
- Terms and conditions apply.
cons
- A $95 annual charge is required.
- Points may only be used towards hotel purchases.
13. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
For small business owners looking for premium travel benefits, the American Express Company Platinum Card® is an excellent option. Cardholders can earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels at amextravel.com. Double your Membership Rewards® points. For each qualified purchase of $5,000 or more, you’ll get an extra half point per dollar. All other purchases get you 1X points.
This card offers a slew of credits and travel benefits that help to offset the $695 annual fee. A $200 airline charge credit (membership needed), a $189 CLEAR credit, and access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection will be given to cardholders. You’ll also get complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status (requires enrollment), Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status (requires enrollment), and access to the Fine Hotels and Resorts program. Note that, unlike other Best Travel Credit Cards, the card permits you to carry a balance on certain, but not all, charges.
Pros
- Various travel credits are available.
- Hilton Honors Gold Status is granted automatically (enrollment required).
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status is granted automatically (enrollment required).
- There are several benefits to traveling in luxury.
- Terms and conditions apply to the Business Platinum Card Concierge.
cons
- The yearly charge is $695.
- The reward rate is low for daily purchases.
- Terms and conditions apply.
14. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is one of the best Chase travel rewards Best Travel Credit Cards with no annual fee. You’ll also enjoy a special 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the time you create your account. Then there’s a variable APR of 15.24 percent to 23.99 percent. Chase Ultimate Rewards, our premium points program that lets you earn rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more, offers cardholders 5% cash back on travel purchases.
3% cash back at pharmacies and restaurants, including takeout and qualified delivery services, and 1.5 percent cash back on all other purchases The card also has a number of safety features, such as no-liability insurance and insurance for trips that get canceled or cut short.
Pros
- There is no yearly charge.
- Purchases get a 0% intro APR for 15 months from the date of account creation.
- After the intro period, the APR is variable and ranges between 15.24 percent and 23.99 percent.
- A high rate of income over a wide range of expenditure categories.
- It comes with a number of safeguards, but it also has certain drawbacks.
cons
- Instead of typical awards, you’ll get cash back.
15. PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card
RV travel undoubtedly necessitates significant gas expenditures; fortunately, the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card can assist in offsetting these expenses. For the first $8,000 in combined expenditures in these areas each year, cardmembers can earn 2% on grocery store purchases, 3% on restaurant dining purchases, and 4% on petrol station purchases. Every time you make a purchase, you’ll get 1% cashback.
You’ll get a percentage back on every dollar you spend at the pump thanks to an extraordinarily high earning rate on all gas station transactions. The PNC Cash Incentives® Visa® Credit Card has no annual fee and cash back rewards that never expire, so it’s a no-brainer for RV travelers.
Pros
- There is no yearly charge.
- For the duration of the account, cash back never expires.
- When the balance is transferred during the first 90 days after account establishment, the intro APR is 0% for the first 12 billing cycles.
- Then, a variable APR of 14.24 percent to 25.25 percent is applied.
cons
- Cons of zero-liability fraud protection
- Instead of standard travel incentives, you’ll get cash back.
- To redeem cash back, you must have at least $25 in your PNC Cash Rewards account.