Travel credit cards are a great way to save money on travel expenses through rewards, perks, and welcome offers. These cards usually come with an annual fee but can provide credits for expenses like TSA PreCheck, airport lounge access, free checked bags, and travel insurance. Some of the top travel credit cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Citi Strata Premier Card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the American Express Gold Card, and the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is rated highly with a rewards rate of 1x to 5x on purchases, a 25% redemption boost for points when booking travel through Chase Travel portal, and 1:1 point transfer rate to partner airlines and hotels. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers travel perks like an annual $300 travel credit, airport lounge access, and a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. The Citi Strata Premier Card offers points for various categories and a welcome bonus redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provides a $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and travel accident insurance.
The American Express Gold Card has no foreign transaction fees and offers high rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, along with an annual dining credit. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card provides a $200 Delta flight credit, a first checked bag free, and 20% back on eligible in-flight Delta purchases. The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a no-fee option with a good flat rewards rate and an intro offer for 25,000 points. The Credit One Bank Wander Card offers high points for hotels and car rentals but is more restrictive in rewards.
Experts recommend choosing a travel credit card based on specific brand loyalty or general travel needs. Consider factors like annual fees, rewards, redemption methods, and additional perks before deciding on a travel card. Make sure to maximize the card’s value by using it strategically for travel expenses, redeeming rewards for travel, and taking advantage of all available benefits like statement credits and airport amenities. Apply for a travel card by finding the best fit, filling out the required information on the issuer’s website, and using the card responsibly to earn and redeem rewards.
