The Best Travel Credit Cards for Every Type of Traveler

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The Best Travel Credit Cards for Every Type of Traveler

A good travel credit card can save you money, offer perks like airport lounge access, and even help you earn free flights or hotel stays. But with so many options, it’s important to find one that matches your travel style. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, budget traveler, or luxury seeker, there’s a card that suits your needs.

Note:

This guide focuses on U.S.-based travel credit cards, meaning the perks, rewards, and eligibility are primarily for American travelers. If you’re outside the U.S., check with your local banks for similar options. We’ll also mention some of the best Canadian travel credit cards at the end of the article.

Understanding Travel Credit Card Perks

Before diving into specific cards, let’s break down the types of benefits you’ll typically find in travel credit cards:

 

    • Reward Points & Miles: Many cards offer points or miles for every dollar spent, with some featuring bonus categories like dining, travel, or groceries.

    • Airport Lounge Access: Premium cards often include free entry to Priority Pass, Capital One, or airline lounges, making long layovers more comfortable.

    • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Some travel credit cards have no fees on purchases made abroad, saving you money.

    • Free Checked Bags: Airline credit cards frequently include a free checked bag for you and travel companions.

    • 0% APR Intro Offers: Some cards provide 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for a limited time, making them great for financing trips.

    • No Annual Fee Cards: If you don’t want to pay for a premium card, there are great travel credit cards with no annual fee that still offer solid rewards.

  • Credit Score Requirements: There are travel credit cards for fair credit and average credit, so you don’t always need an excellent credit score to qualify.

Best Travel Credit Cards Compared

Here’s a breakdown of the best travel credit cards in different categories, including those with the best rewards, perks, and lowest fees.

1. Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred

    • Annual Fee: $95

    • Earning Rates:
        • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards

        • 3x points on dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases

        • 2x points on all other travel

        • 1x point on everything else

    • Perks:
        • 25% more value when redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards

        • Points transfer to airline and hotel programs

        • Primary rental car insurance

        • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

    • Why It’s Great: A flexible card with valuable travel perks, strong rewards, and solid travel protection.

2. Best for Luxury Travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

    • Annual Fee: $395

    • Earning Rates:
        • 10x miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel

        • 5x miles on flights through Capital One Travel

        • 2x miles on all other purchases

    • Perks:
        • $300 annual travel credit

        • Unlimited travel credit card lounge access (Priority Pass, Capital One, Plaza Premium)

        • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit

        • 10,000 bonus miles every anniversary

    • Why It’s Great: A premium card with top-tier perks at a lower fee than similar luxury cards.

3. Best for No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph Card

    • Annual Fee: $0

    • Earning Rates:
        • 3x points on travel, dining, gas stations, transit, streaming services, and phone plans

        • 1x points on everything else

    • Perks:
        • No foreign transaction fees (travel credit cards no fees)

        • Auto rental collision damage waiver

        • Cell phone protection

    • Why It’s Great: One of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee, offering solid rewards for everyday spending.

4. Best for Frequent Flyers: The Platinum Card from American Express

    • Annual Fee: $695

    • Earning Rates:
        • 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel

        • 5x points on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel

        • 1x points on everything else

    • Perks:
        • Access to Centurion, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Club lounges

        • $200 airline fee credit per year

        • $200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels + Resorts stays

        • $189 CLEAR® Plus credit

    • Why It’s Great: The best choice for frequent flyers who want travel credit card lounge access worldwide.

5. Best Airline Card: United Explorer Card

    • Annual Fee: $95 (waived first year)

    • Earning Rates:
        • 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays

        • 1x miles on everything else

    • Perks:
        • Free first checked bag for you and a companion

        • Two one-time United Club℠ lounge passes per year

        • Priority boarding on United flights

        • 25% back on in-flight purchases

    • Why It’s Great: Perfect for United Airlines loyalists who want flight perks and mileage-earning opportunities.

6. Best for 0% APR: Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

    • Annual Fee: $0

    • Earning Rates:
        • 1.5x points on every purchase

    • Perks:
        • 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles (travel credit cards 0 apr)

        • No foreign transaction fees

    • Why It’s Great: A solid travel credit card with 0 APR for those looking to finance trips without interest.

Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada

If you’re a Canadian traveler, here are some of the best options:

  • Scotiabank Gold American Express Card – No foreign transaction fees, strong earning rates on travel and dining.
  • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite – Great for Air Canada travelers with lounge access and Aeroplan perks.
  • American Express Cobalt Card – Flexible rewards and strong bonus categories.
  • RBC Avion Visa Infinite – Good for transferring points to airline partners.

If you’re outside the U.S., check with major banks like Wells Fargo, Scotiabank, or TD Bank for local travel card options.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right travel credit card depends on your needs:

✔ Want lounge access? Go for a premium card like the Amex Platinum or Capital One Venture X.
✔ Need a budget-friendly option? A travel credit card with no annual fee like Wells Fargo Autograph is a great choice.
✔ Looking for a 0% APR offer? Bank of America Travel Rewards is a solid pick.

Compare travel credit cards carefully, and you’ll maximize your rewards while traveling smarter.