Traveling is an exciting and enriching experience that allows you to escape the daily grind and explore new places and cultures. However, travel can also be expensive and challenging, especially when it comes to paying for flights, hotels, and other expenses. Luckily, there are credit cards that offer travel rewards and benefits, which can help make your trips more affordable and enjoyable.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the top credit cards for travel rewards, taking into consideration factors such as rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, and additional benefits. Here are the best credit cards for travel rewards, in no particular order:
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for travelers who want to earn rewards for their travel expenses. With this card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, with no limit to the amount of miles you can earn. Additionally, you’ll receive a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
- 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases
- 50,000 mile sign-up bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months
- Redeem miles for any travel purchase, including flights, hotels, and rental cars
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions
- No foreign transaction fees
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card is another excellent option for travelers who want to earn rewards for their travel expenses. With this card, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card:
- 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 60,000 point sign-up bonus when you spend $4,000 in the first three months
- 25% bonus when you redeem points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program
- No foreign transaction fees
- Primary rental car insurance coverage
Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express is a premium travel rewards card that offers a wide range of benefits and perks for travelers. With this card, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points if you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Platinum Card from American Express:
- 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 60,000 point sign-up bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first three months
- Complimentary airport lounge access with Priority Pass Select membership
- $200 annual airline fee credit
- $200 annual Uber credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Premium travel benefits, including hotel upgrades and complimentary breakfast
Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card is a great option for travelers who want to earn rewards for their travel expenses, as well as other purchases. With this card, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel and gas, 2 points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Citi Premier Card:
- 3 points per dollar spent on travel and gas
- 2 points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 50,000 point sign-up bonus when you spend $4,000 in the first three months
- No foreign transaction fees
- Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard
The Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard is a great option for travelers who want to earn rewards for their travel expenses. With this card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, and you’ll receive a sign-up bonus of 70,000 miles if you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard:
- 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases
- 70,000 mile sign-up bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first 90 days
- Redeem miles for travel expenses, including flights, hotels, and rental cars
- No foreign transaction fees
- 5% miles back when you redeem for travel
World of Hyatt Credit Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great option for travelers who stay at Hyatt hotels and resorts. With this card, you’ll earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, 2 points per dollar spent on dining, flights, and car rentals, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the World of Hyatt Credit Card:
- 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts
- 2 points per dollar spent on dining, flights, and car rentals
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 50,000 point sign-up bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months
- Complimentary Hyatt Discoverist status
- Complimentary night at any Hyatt hotel or resort after your cardmember anniversary
- No foreign transaction fees
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a great option for travelers who stay at Marriott hotels and resorts. With this card, you’ll earn 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels and resorts, 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases, and a sign-up bonus of 75,000 points if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card:
- 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott hotels and resorts
- 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 75,000 point sign-up bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Complimentary night at a Category 1-5 Marriott hotel or resort after your cardmember anniversary
- No foreign transaction fees
IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
The IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is a great option for travelers who stay at IHG hotels and resorts. With this card, you’ll earn 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts, 2 points per dollar spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 140,000 points if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card:
- 10 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts
- 2 points per dollar spent on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 140,000 point sign-up bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months
- Complimentary IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite status
- Complimentary night at any IHG hotel or resort after your cardmember anniversary
- No foreign transaction fees
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a great option for travelers who fly with Delta. With this card, you’ll earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta flights, 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 80,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card:
- 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta flights
- 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
- 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 80,000 mile sign-up bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club access for you and up to two guests
- First checked bag free for you and up to eight passengers on your reservation
- No foreign transaction fees
United MileagePlus Explorer Card
The United MileagePlus Explorer Card is a great option for travelers who fly with United. With this card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United flights and restaurants, and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 40,000 miles if you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the United MileagePlus Explorer Card:
- 2 miles per dollar spent on United flights and restaurants
- 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 40,000 mile sign-up bonus when you spend $2,000 in the first three months
- Complimentary first checked bag for you and a companion on your reservation
- Priority boarding for you and your companions
- No foreign transaction fees
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a great option for travelers who fly with Southwest. With this card, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest flights and hotels, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 40,000 points if you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card:
- 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest flights and hotels
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 40,000 point sign-up bonus when you spend $1,000 in the first three months
- 3,000 bonus points every year on your cardmember anniversary
- No foreign transaction fees
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for travelers who want flexibility in their travel rewards. With this card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. You can redeem your miles for any travel purchase, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
- 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases
- 50,000 mile sign-up bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months
- No foreign transaction fees
- $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95
- 10x miles on hotels booked through Hotels.com/Venture
Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express is a great option for travelers who want luxury travel benefits. With this card, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, 5 points per dollar spent on eligible hotels booked through American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points if you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Platinum Card from American Express:
- 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel
- 5 points per dollar spent on eligible hotels booked through American Express Travel
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 60,000 point sign-up bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first three months
- $200 annual airline fee credit
- $200 annual Uber credit
- Access to the Global Lounge Collection
- No foreign transaction fees
Citi Prestige Card
The Citi Prestige Card is a great option for travelers who want premium travel benefits. With this card, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on air travel and hotels, 2 points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account.
Here are some of the key features of the Citi Prestige Card:
- 3 points per dollar spent on air travel and hotels
- 2 points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 50,000 point sign-up bonus when you spend $4,000 in the first three months
- $250 annual travel credit
- Complimentary fourth night of hotel stays
- No foreign transaction fees
There are many great credit cards for travel rewards, each with its own unique set of benefits. When choosing a card, it’s important to consider the rewards and benefits that are most important to you, as well as your travel patterns. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a luxury traveler, or just someone who wants to earn rewards on all your purchases, there is a travel rewards credit card that will meet your needs.