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A travel rewards credit card is your passport to bringing your next adventure one step closer with every swipe. With every purchase, you accumulate points or miles that hold the promise of exciting journeys ahead. For those who pledge allegiance to a specific airline or hotel chain, the affiliated credit cards can be a strategic choice. However, if you value flexibility, want to avoid the constraints and blackout dates associated with branded cards, and prefer to explore a wider range of travel options, the general-purpose travel cards on this page may be your perfect match.
In your quest for the best travel credit cards, it’s worth noting that some of our top picks can be obtained through Fundsamentally, while others have different application processes. Furthermore, we’ll provide you with an extensive list of our top recommendations to ensure you find the perfect travel companion that aligns with your unique journey and spending preferences. So, let’s embark on this voyage together and unlock the doors to your next memorable adventure.
The Best Travel Cards From Our Partners
Our pick for
Best Business Travel Perks
Small-business credit cards serve a broader purpose beyond traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. Even if you’re a freelancer, engaged in a side hustle, or participating in gig work, you might find that a small-business credit card is a valuable asset. Such a card offers the advantage of keeping your financial matters for your income-generating activities distinct from your personal finances.
Ink Business Preferred® Card
ANNUAL FEE: $95
REWARDS RATES: 1x-3x points
INTRO OFFER: 100,000 points
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 650-850 (Good – Excellent)
Pros
- The sign-up bonus is generous
- Earn 3 points per dollar for up to $150,000 spent on travel
- Get 3x points on travel, advertising, shipping, and telecommunications
Cons
- Annual Fee
- All other purchases get you 1 point per dollar
CARD DETAILS:
– Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
– Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
– Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases.
– With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
– Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more – your points don’t expire as long as your account is open.
– Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
– Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
– Member FDIC
Our pick for
Road Trips
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card earns quadruple points on qualifying travel and gas purchases, which is among the highest rates you’ll find on cards in this annual-fee range. You also get a juicy bonus as well as some valuable ongoing credits.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
ANNUAL FEE: $0 intro for the first year, then $95
REWARDS RATES: 1x-5x points
INTRO OFFER: 50,000 points
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 720-850 (Excellent)
Pros
- Generous rewards
- Travel Benefits
- Annual Travel Credit
- Points never expire
Cons
- Annual fee after a year
- High credit score
- Limited travel partners
CARD DETAILS:
– Intro Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. That’s a $500 value redeemable towards travel, gift cards, cash back, merchandise and more.
5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.
– 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations.
– 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $30 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
– 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining.
– Receive up to $100 in statement credits for reimbursement toward your TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® application fee once every four years.
– 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
– Points never expire.
– Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
– Protection and assistance when traveling with Trip Cancelation/Interruption, Trip Delay Reimbursement and SmartDelay.
– Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership that gives access to more than 1,300 VIP lounges worldwide.
– Terms and conditions apply.
Our pick for
Hotel Rewards Card
While Hyatt may not be as popular as its rivals, the exceptional value offered by the World of Hyatt Credit Card makes it a noteworthy option for individuals who frequently stay in hotels.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
ANNUAL FEE: $95
REWARDS RATES: 1x-9x points
INTRO OFFER: 30,000 points
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 690-850
(Good – Excellent)
Pros
- New cardholder bonus offer
- Automatic free night annually
- Bonus categories
- Luxury perks
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Complicated rewards
- Limited redemptions
CARD DETAILS:
– Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
– Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
– Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort.
– Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open.
– Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year.
– Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card.
– Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member.
– Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships.
– Member FDIC
Our pick for
Flat-rate rewards, no annual fee, and for balance transfers
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card distinguishes itself through its straightforwardness and value, offering substantial rewards on all purchases without an annual fee. Additionally, it’s a rare travel-oriented card that provides an appealing introductory APR offer for balance transfers.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card
ANNUAL FEE: $0
REWARDS RATES: 1.5x points
INTRO OFFER: 25,000 points
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 690-850
(Good – Excellent)
Pros
- 1.5x points on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Generous rewards
- Sign up bonus
Cons
- Low sign up bonus
- No bonus rewards on travel purchases
CARD DETAILS:
– Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire.
– 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
– Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
– Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
– 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
– If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
– Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
– This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our pick for
Triple points in Numerous categories
The Citi Premier® Card has enhanced its rewards program, offering 3 points for every dollar spent not only on air travel and at hotels but also at supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations. With a substantial sign-up bonus and an annual hotel benefit, it stands out as a strong competitor in the credit card market.
Citi® Premier Card
ANNUAL FEE: $95
REWARDS RATES: 1x-3x points
INTRO OFFER: 60,000 points
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 690-850
(Good – Excellent)
Pros
- 3x rewards on nearly all purchases
- Rewards on travel, supermarkets and gas stations
Cons
- Annual fee
CARD DETAILS:
– Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
– Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
– Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
– Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
– Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
– 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
– No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
– No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Our pick for
Bonus rewards
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a solid no annual fee rewards card with valuable benefits like cellphone protection and unlimited rewards potential. Cardholders can earn up to 3X points in many popular spending categories, including restaurants, transit and travel, and gas stations. This rewards card also has a hefty welcome offer.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
ANNUAL FEE: $0
REWARDS RATES: 1x-3x points
INTRO OFFER: 30,000 points
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE: 690-850
(Good – Excellent)
Pros
- Strong welcome bonus for a no annual fee card
- Earn Unlimited 3x points on useful categories
- Cellphone protection
Cons
- Other cards offer larger bonuses, though they usually come with annual fees
- The 1x points baseline rewards rate on other purchases, though normal for this type of card, can be beat
CARD DETAILS:
– Limited Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $300 cash redemption value. You must select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer.
– Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
– $0 annual fee.
– 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
– Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
– Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
– Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world’s most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.