Are you planning your next vacation and want to save money while enjoying the best travel perks? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 9 travel credit cards that will help you book your dream vacation using points and miles. These cards not only put money back into your pocket but also provide access to exclusive travel benefits. Let’s dive into the details!
#9. AmEx Green Card
The AmEx Green Card is often overlooked but packs a punch in terms of benefits. With a signup bonus of 40,000 Amex Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first six months, you can easily redeem these points for a value of $400. By transferring your points to certain airline and hotel programs, you can get even more value, up to $800 to $1,200. This card also offers 3x points per dollar on travel, transit, and dining at restaurants worldwide, making it a great choice for city dwellers who use public transportation frequently. Additional perks include a $189 CLEAR credit, a $100 annual Lounge Buddy credit, and trip delay and baggage insurance protection.
#8. Build MasterCard
If you’re a renter, the Build MasterCard is a game-changer. Not only does it have no annual fee, but it also earns you points on your rent payments without any extra processing fees. For every dollar spent on rent, you earn one point, which adds up to over 27,000 points per year. These points can be redeemed for travel at a fixed rate of 1.25 cents per point, giving you approximately $345 in value. You can also transfer these points to various hotel and airline programs, potentially increasing their value to $552 to $828 or more. The Build MasterCard also offers 2x points per dollar on travel and 3x points per dollar on dining.
#7. Capital One Venture Card
Looking for a credit card with a generous signup bonus and a low annual fee? The Capital One Venture Card is the answer. With a standard signup bonus of 75,000 Capital One miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, this card gives you the opportunity to redeem the miles for a minimum value of $750. Transferring the miles to partner programs can increase their value to $1,500 to $2,250. The card also earns 2x miles per dollar on all purchases and 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Other perks include a travel credit, no foreign transaction fees, and Hertz Five-Star status.
#6. Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier Card stands out for its exceptional spending multipliers. With 3x points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, this card rewards you for everyday spending. It also offers a standard signup bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. These points can be redeemed for a value of $600 or more depending on the transfer options. However, the card lacks comprehensive travel protections, so it may not be the best choice if you prioritize travel insurance.
#5. Chase Sapphire Reserve
If you’re looking for a premium travel credit card with excellent travel protections, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a top contender. Despite its $550 annual fee, the card offers a signup bonus of 60,000 Chase points, which can be redeemed for a minimum value of $900. By utilizing Chase’s transfer partners, you can potentially get even more value, up to $1,200 to $1,800. The card earns 3x points per dollar on dining and travel, and comes with a $300 annual travel credit, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and airport lounge access. Travelers who prioritize peace of mind will appreciate the extensive travel insurance coverage provided by this card.
#4. Chase Sapphire Preferred
For a more affordable option with similar benefits to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred. With an annual fee of $95, the card offers a standard signup bonus of 60,000 points, which can be redeemed for a value of $750 or more when transferred to partner programs. The card earns 2x points per dollar on travel and dining, making it a versatile choice for frequent travelers. It also comes with a $50 annual hotel credit, no foreign transaction fees, and travel protections. Upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve after a year if you desire additional benefits like airport lounge access.
#3. AmEx Gold Card
The AmEx Gold Card is a hybrid travel and everyday card, making it ideal for those who value both. With 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and US supermarkets, and 3x points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, this card rewards your everyday spending habits. The standard signup bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points can be worth $750 or more when redeemed for travel or transferred to partner programs. Additional benefits include $240 in annual credits from Uber and select dining partners, no foreign transaction fees, and Amex travel protections.
#2. Capital One Venture X
The Capital One Venture X is a standout travel credit card with exceptional benefits. With a signup bonus of 75,000 Capital One miles and a $300 annual travel credit, the card offers tremendous value. The miles can be redeemed for a minimum value of $750 or more when transferred to partner programs. The card also earns 2x miles per dollar on all purchases, 10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One, and 5x miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One. Additional perks include no foreign transaction fees, primary auto rental coverage, and airport lounge access.
#1. AmEx Platinum Card
The AmEx Platinum Card is the ultimate premium travel credit card for those who can maximize its benefits. With an annual fee of $695, the card offers an 80,000-point signup bonus, which can be worth $800 or more when redeemed for travel or transferred to partner programs. The card earns 5x points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel and 5x points per dollar on hotels booked through Amex Travel. The card also provides a wide range of credits, including a $200 Uber credit, a $200 airline fee credit, and a $200 hotel credit. Additional benefits include airport lounge access, travel protections, and elite statuses with hotel and car rental companies.
With these top 9 travel credit cards, you can make your next vacation even more rewarding. Choose the card that aligns with your travel goals, spending habits, and desired benefits. Happy travels!