Best Travel Credit Cards 2024 #

Pros ✓

• High rewards on travel and dining
• Points transfer to many travel partners
• No foreign transaction fees
• Strong welcome bonus

Cons ✘

• Annual fee
• Best rewards are tied to travel and dining
• Points are worth less if not redeemed for travel

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an ideal choice for those who want to maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, particularly if you frequently dine out or travel.

Why we recommend it

This card offers impressive value for travelers who enjoy the flexibility of transferring points to various travel partners, along with solid earning potential.

What could be better

The card’s best value is realized when redeeming points for travel, which may limit its appeal to those with different spending priorities.

Perfect for

Travel enthusiasts who value flexible, high-value points redemption.

For travelers who want to stretch every dollar and maximize rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers one of the most versatile travel programs available. With 2x points on travel and 3x points on dining—a significant upgrade over the 1x point many cards offer in these categories—this card stands out for its ability to help you rack up points quickly if you spend in these key areas. What’s particularly appealing is the flexibility of the points—they transfer 1:1 to several airline and hotel partners, so whether you prefer flying with United or staying with Marriott, you can get excellent value for your points.

Our analysis also found that the Chase travel portal provides up to 15% savings compared to other booking platforms, and when redeeming points through the portal, you get a 25% boost in value. This added value can significantly increase your savings on trips, which is why frequent travelers love it. For example, if you redeem 60,000 points for a trip through the Chase portal, the extra 25% makes those points worth 75,000, allowing for more luxurious travel options or even additional trips.

The card’s travel and purchase protections are also top-tier, offering primary rental car insurance (which means you don’t need to rely on your own auto policy), trip cancellation insurance, and an extended warranty that covers purchases beyond what the manufacturer offers. These features add peace of mind, especially for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of unexpected costs.

However, the card’s $95 annual fee is something to consider. While this fee is reasonable and easily offset for frequent travelers who make use of the points and perks, those who don’t travel often may find better value in no-fee cards. For someone spending $5,000 annually on travel and dining, though, the rewards alone can cover the fee.

In short, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card continues to be one of the best all-around travel cards for 2024, offering a balanced blend of rewards, flexibility, and protections that make it a great fit for both seasoned travelers and newcomers to the points game.

Pros ✓

• High earning rates on all purchases
• Access to premium travel benefits
• Strong welcome bonus
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons ✘

• Annual fee
• Best rewards are tied to travel bookings
• Limited transfer partners compared to competitors

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for travelers who want simple, flat-rate rewards with flexible redemption options.

Why we recommend it

This card offers straightforward earning potential with 2x miles on all purchases, making it easy to accumulate rewards without tracking categories.

What could be better

The annual fee may not be worth it for those who prefer no-fee cards or who don’t use the card’s travel benefits.

Ideal for

Travelers who want a simple, no-hassle way to earn rewards on every purchase.

If simplicity is what you’re after, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card shines with its 2x miles on every purchase, regardless of category. Unlike other cards that may offer higher points in specific spending areas but lower points in others, this card keeps things simple—every dollar earns 2 miles, making it ideal for people who don’t want to track spending categories or shuffle between cards.

Our analysis shows that the flat-rate rewards system makes it a perfect match for frequent travelers and casual users alike. Whether you’re booking a last-minute flight or your daily coffee, you’ll earn miles consistently, and the miles can be redeemed easily either as travel credits or by transferring to partner programs. A user spending $12,000 annually on everyday purchases would earn 24,000 miles, which could be redeemed for $240 in travel credits, giving you flexible travel opportunities without the need for complicated point structures.

Additionally, no foreign transaction fees make this card an ideal companion for international travel, eliminating the hidden costs that can quickly add up when traveling abroad. It’s also worth mentioning the significant welcome bonus that adds a boost to your rewards when you first sign up—often providing a value equivalent to a free domestic flight.

However, the $95 annual fee could deter some users, especially those who don’t travel often. If you’re not booking frequent trips or maximizing the miles, you might want to consider whether a no-fee option is a better fit. But for frequent travelers, the rewards and simplicity make this card a valuable addition to your wallet.

Pros ✓

• High earning rates on all purchases
• Access to premium travel benefits
• Strong welcome bonus
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons ✘

• High annual fee
• Best rewards are tied to travel bookings
• Complex rewards program for beginners

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is perfect for frequent travelers who seek premium benefits and high earning potential across all spending categories.

Why we recommend it

With exceptional rewards on all purchases and access to premium travel perks, this card is a must-have for frequent flyers.

What could be better

The high annual fee may not be justifiable for those who don’t maximize the travel benefits.

Ideal for

Frequent travelers looking for a premium, all-in-one rewards experience.

For travelers who want to blend premium benefits with high earning potential, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card delivers on both fronts. What makes this card stand out is its 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, plus 2x miles on every other purchase. This means that whether you’re booking a lavish hotel or just grabbing groceries, your spending is working harder for you.

What truly sets the Venture X apart from competitors like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Amex Platinum is its access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass lounges and Capital One’s own. This is a major perk for frequent flyers who want to avoid crowded terminals and enjoy luxury amenities during layovers. And let’s not forget the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit that simplifies security processes at the airport—saving both time and money.

The card’s $395 annual fee is no small sum, but with generous perks like the $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, and access to premium lounge networks, it’s designed to offset the cost if you use it strategically. Frequent travelers who maximize these perks will find that the card effectively pays for itself. However, for occasional travelers, the fee might be harder to justify.

If you’re someone who flies regularly and can take full advantage of the travel credits, lounge access, and comprehensive travel protections, the Capital One Venture X is a great way to earn rewards and travel in style. It’s an exceptional card for those seeking luxury and high value without the complexity of juggling multiple cards.

Pros ✓

• High rewards on flights and hotels
• Extensive lounge access, including Centurion Lounges
• Strong travel and purchase protections
• Concierge service and exclusive offers

Cons ✘

• Very high annual fee
• Best suited for frequent travelers
• Rewards are most valuable when redeemed for travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates and Fees) is a top choice for frequent travelers who want premium perks, especially those who value lounge access.

Why we recommend it

With unparalleled access to airport lounges and exceptional rewards on travel, this card is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and luxury.

What could be better

The high annual fee can be a deterrent for those who don’t travel frequently enough to maximize the benefits.

Perfect for

Frequent travelers who value premium benefits and extensive lounge access.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is the ultimate card for travelers who want to enjoy luxury at every turn. With benefits like unmatched lounge access, elite status at hotels, and robust travel protections, it caters to those who prioritize comfort and convenience while on the move. For example, access to the Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges means you can relax in style before your flights—no matter where in the world you’re traveling.

Our analysis shows that the Platinum Card® offers 5x Membership Rewards® Points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel, allowing frequent travelers to rack up points faster than most other cards. If you regularly book flights and high-end hotels, this rewards structure will help you build up points quickly, making luxury vacations much more accessible. Additionally, the $200 annual airline fee credit and $100 Uber Cash credit provide tangible savings that can offset the hefty $695 annual fee for those who take full advantage of the perks.

The card’s travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance, baggage insurance, and premium rental car coverage, provide peace of mind, ensuring that your trips are protected from the unexpected. And for frequent travelers, the Hilton Honors Gold Status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Status can unlock free upgrades and late checkout, making your stays even more comfortable.

However, this card’s high fee means it’s not for the occasional traveler. If you don’t regularly fly or book premium hotels, it might be hard to get the full value from the Platinum Card®. But for those who do, it’s worth every penny.

Pros ✓

• No annual fee
• Simple, flat-rate rewards
• Intro APR on purchases
• Flexible redemption options

Cons ✘

• Lower earning rate than premium cards
• Limited travel transfer partners
• Best rewards tied to travel

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is ideal for those who want a no-annual-fee card with straightforward, flat-rate rewards on every purchase.

Why we recommend it

This card offers solid rewards without the complication of tracking spending categories or worrying about an annual fee.

What could be better

The lower earning rate may not appeal to those who spend heavily in specific categories and want higher rewards rates.

Perfect for

Budget-conscious travelers who want simple, flat-rate rewards without an annual fee.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers a no-fee option for travelers who still want to earn miles without worrying about tracking categories. With 1.25x miles on every purchase, it’s a straightforward way to build up travel rewards. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to avoid annual fees but still earn points toward future trips.

While it offers a lower rewards rate than some premium cards, the card’s flexible redemption options make it easy to use your miles for everything from flights to hotels. For example, if you spend $10,000 annually, you’ll earn 12,500 miles, which could be worth about $125 in travel credits. And since there’s no annual fee, every point you earn is pure value.

The introductory APR on purchases also adds to its appeal, making it a smart choice for those who plan to make larger purchases and pay them off over time. However, the card lacks the premium perks found in higher-end cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, which might be worth considering if you spend more on travel and dining. Still, for a no-fee travel card, the VentureOne is a reliable, no-nonsense option for earning miles on everyday purchases.

Pros ✓

• High rewards on United purchases
• Free checked bags and other United travel perks
• Strong welcome bonus
• 25% back on United in-flight purchases

Cons ✘

• Annual fee
• Rewards are limited to United and its partners
• Best value tied to United loyalty

The United Quest℠ Card is an excellent choice for frequent United flyers who want to maximize rewards on their airline purchases.

Why we recommend it

This card offers strong rewards on United flights and other travel purchases, along with valuable perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.

What could be better

The card’s rewards are primarily tied to United, so it may not be as appealing to those who don’t frequently fly with the airline.

Perfect for

United loyalists looking to enhance their travel experience and earn rewards on every flight.

The United Quest℠ Card is designed for frequent United flyers who want to maximize rewards on their airline purchases. With 3x miles on United flights and 2x miles on travel, dining, and streaming services, this card provides generous rewards for everyday spending. Our research shows that a frequent United flyer spending $5,000 annually on flights could earn 15,000 miles, which can be used toward flights, upgrades, or other travel expenses—making it a highly valuable card for loyal United customers.

The card’s premium travel perks, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and 25% back on in-flight purchases, add immediate value to every trip. These benefits make your flying experience smoother and more cost-effective. Additionally, the $125 annual United purchase credit helps offset the card’s $250 annual fee, ensuring that frequent flyers can easily justify the cost.

However, this card is highly specific to United loyalty, so if you don’t frequently fly with the airline, you might not get as much value from it. If United is your preferred airline, though, the United Quest℠ Card offers excellent rewards, perks, and protections that will enhance your overall travel experience.