Top Travel Credit Cards of 2024 – Top Picks
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- October 31, 2024
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Are you getting the most out of your travel spending with the best travel rewards credit cards of 2024? With so many options, picking the right one is key. Whether you travel often or just a few times a year, the right card can make your trips more rewarding.
There are cards with high rewards rates for everyday purchases and others with perks like airport lounge access. A study by NerdWallet found that 68% of American adults have a credit card for travel rewards1. These cards offer miles, points, and cash back, perfect for travel. Are you curious about which card could save you money on travel in 2024?
If you’re a newbie, check out our Credit Card Points for Beginners article first!
Key Takeaways
- 68% of American adults already use travel rewards credit cards1.
- Top picks include cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which offers up to 10X on dining and travel rewards1.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Card gives 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Travel bookings1.
- Think about annual fees, rewards rates, and credit score needs when picking a travel rewards card.
- Choose cards that offer travel credits and flexible redemption options to enhance your travel.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is known for its simple approach. It’s a top pick among travel rewards cards, offering big rewards and travel perks.
Features and Benefits
This card has a variable APR from 19.99% to 29.74%2. It also gives a $50 experience credit for bookings through the Lifestyle Collection2. Plus, it has no foreign transaction fees3.
Rewards Rates
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has great rewards rates. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental bookings through Capital One Travel. And 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases2. Users rate it highly, with 77% giving it 5 stars and 93% recommending it2.
Sign-Up Bonus
The sign-up bonus for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is very attractive. New cardholders can earn rewards quickly. Hence why it’s a top choice for those wanting to get the most benefits. Plus, it works for different credit profiles, with an APR from 19.99% to 29.74%2.
Flexibility in Redemption
One of the best things about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is how easy it is to use rewards. Miles can be used for travel purchases without any restrictions. This makes it one of the best rewards programs2. But, 40% of negative reviews mention trouble using points for travel3.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| APR | 19.99% – 29.74% variable |
| Earn Rate | 5 miles per $1 on Capital One Travel bookings, 2 miles per $1 on everything else |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None |
| Experience Credit | $50 for Lifestyle Collection bookings |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is perfect for those who travel often. It offers top-notch benefits that make your trips better.
High-End Perks
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card gives you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This means you can relax in peace before your flights. You also get perks at luxury hotels, like room upgrades and free breakfast for two.
Bonus Points and Rewards
This card rewards you well for your spending. You get 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. These points are worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel4. Plus, you can earn up to 10X points on dining and travel.
Annual Travel Credits
Each year, you get up to $300 in statement credits on travel purchases through Chase4. These credits help lower the cost of your trips. It makes the Chase Sapphire Reserve® a great choice for frequent travelers.
Transferable Points
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® lets you transfer points to many airline and hotel partners. This flexibility helps you get the most out of your points. With partners like United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy, you have many options.
Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2024 – Top Picks
To find the best travel rewards credit cards for 2024, we spent 28 hours researching5. We looked at 371 companies and reviewed 1,745 cards5. This was to ensure we only recommend the best options5.
We compared cards based on miles, points, cash back, and more5. We also considered spending habits to find the right card for each user5. For example, we compared the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card5.
Travel credit cards often offer better rewards than cash back cards5. This makes them a great choice for those who travel a lot5.
A detailed comparison of the top travel rewards credit cards based on their rewards rates and benefits is represented as follows:
| Credit Card | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 5x on travel via Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 2x on other travel | $95 | 20.99% – 27.99% Variable |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 5 miles/dollar on hotels, 2 miles/dollar on all purchases | $95 | 19.99% – 29.74% Variable |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 10 miles/dollar on hotels, 5 miles/dollar on flights | $395 | 19.99% – 29.74% Variable |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5X Membership Rewards® Points on flights and hotels | $695 | NA |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4X Membership Rewards® points on restaurants, 3X points on flights | $325 | NA |
| Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, streaming, phone plans | $0 | Variable |
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a top choice for those who love to travel and dine out. It offers a great rewards system and travel and dining credits to help cover the annual fee. Let’s explore what makes this card a great pick for frequent spenders and travelers.
Big Rewards on Everyday Spending
With the American Express Gold Card, you earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants. You also get 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmEx Travel6. These rewards are perfect for those who spend a lot on dining and groceries.
Travel and Dining Credits
The card comes with travel and dining credits to boost its value. You get a $10 monthly dining credit, a $7 monthly credit for Dunkin’, up to $120 per year in Uber Cash, and a $100 Resy credit6. These credits save you money and make the card more appealing for those who love to eat out or travel.
Welcome Offer
The welcome offer for the American Express Gold Card is a great reason to join. You can earn a lot of Membership Rewards points after meeting the spending requirements in the first few months. This offer makes the card even more attractive for those who enjoy traveling and dining.
Annual Fee Considerations
The American Express Gold Card has an annual fee of $3256. But, the many benefits and rewards make it worth the cost. For many, the value from travel and dining credits and high rewards on everyday spending is enough to justify the fee, making it a smart choice for regular travelers and diners.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a great choice with no annual fee and flexible rewards. It’s perfect for those who book travel directly with airlines and hotels. You earn unlimited 3X points on dining, travel, gas, transit, streaming services, and phone plans. This means big rewards for both travelers and everyday spenders7.
The card’s welcome offer is 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. This is worth $200 in cash, adding value right away8. Plus, it has a 0% APR for 12 months on purchases, helping with big travel expenses8.
There’s no annual fee, making it a top pick among no annual fee credit cards7. It also has no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it abroad without extra charges7. It offers cellphone coverage up to $600 per claim and auto rental collision damage waiver, adding security for all your expenses8.
The card’s rewards are great for those who love to dine out or travel. You earn points on many things, from flights to gas. Points are worth one cent each, making redemption easy and valuable8.
With its competitive rates, wide reward categories, and no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a top choice. It’s perfect for maximizing travel rewards without extra costs7. Its benefits and features make it a standout in the no annual fee credit cards market.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Intro Offer | 20,000 bonus points when spending $1,000 in the first 3 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None |
| Regular APR | 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% |
| Reward Rates | 3X points on various categories; 1X points on other purchases |
| Cellphone Coverage | Up to $600 per claim |
The Wells Fargo Autograph card offers a great mix for those wanting travel rewards and no annual fee.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is perfect for road trippers and those who want rewards for everyday spending. It’s a versatile card that offers great benefits for both frequent travelers and daily purchases.
Benefits for Road Trips
For those who love road trips, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is a top choice. It rewards you on travel costs like tolls, car rentals, and gas. This means you earn points quickly as you explore the country.
Rewards on Everyday Spending
The card also shines in everyday spending rewards. Points are earned on groceries, dining, and streaming services. You can use these points through Real Time Rewards on U.S. Bank cards9. It’s great for maximizing rewards on daily expenses.
Fee Structure
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has a good fee structure. The annual fee is waived in the first year. It also offers low-interest rates, making it a good choice for new cardholders. The card continues to offer value in future years with ongoing rewards and benefits.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 first year, $95 after |
| Rewards Rate | Unlimited 4x points on travel and gas, 2x points on groceries, dining, and streaming services |
| Redemption Options | Real Time Rewards, statement credits, gift cards, and more |
| Introductory APR | 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers9 |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top choice for travelers in 2024. It offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months1011. These points are worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel, giving great value10.
This card is known for its 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel. It also earns 3x points on dining, streaming services, and online groceries. Plus, you get 2x points on other travel purchases and 1x point on all other spending10.
The card has an annual fee of $95, but the rewards make it worth it. You also get 1.25 cents per point value when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel10. Plus, a 10% anniversary points bonus is added to your total points from the previous year11.
There’s also a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit for hotel bookings through Chase Travel each year11. Points never expire as long as your account is open, making it a reliable choice for long-term travel rewards11.
Cardholders can transfer points 1:1 to top travel programs like IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy™, and World of Hyatt®. This opens up more ways to use your travel rewards10. All these features make the Chase Sapphire Preferred a strong choice for maximizing your 2024 credit card rewards.
| Category | Points Earned | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 60,000 points | Worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel10 |
| Travel (Chase Travel) | 5x points | |
| Dining, Streaming, Groceries | 3x points | |
| Other Travel | 2x points | |
| All Other Purchases | 1x point | |
| Annual Fee | $95 | |
| Anniversary Points Bonus | 10% of total spend in points | |
| Annual Hotel Credit | $50 | |
| Point Value (Chase Travel) | 1.25 cents per point |
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card was introduced in 2021. It’s a game-changer for those wanting to earn more on rent payments12. Cardholders get 1 point for every dollar spent on rent through the Bilt app12.
It also offers great rewards for everyday spending. You earn 3 points for every dollar on dining and 2 points on travel12. Plus, linking your Lyft and Bilt accounts can give up to 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides13. The Bilt Rewards Program lets you redeem points for travel and more at a rate of 1.25 cents per point12.
To get these rewards, you need to make at least five transactions each month12. The card has no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly choice13. You can also earn up to 100,000 points per year on rent payments, which is a big plus for those with high rent12.
This card is known for its flexibility and depth. It has no foreign transaction fees and a referral program that rewards you for inviting friends12. Elite members even earn interest on their points balance based on the national savings rate12.
Every first day of the month, the Rent Day promotion doubles your rewards on all purchases except rent. This gives you more reasons to use your card for everyday spending12. With these features, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard is a top choice for those looking for great rewards on rent and travel13.
| Card Feature | Bilt World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|
| Rewards on Rent Payments | 1 point per dollar(up to 100,000 points/year) |
| Dining and Travel Rewards | 3 points per dollar on dining; 2 points per dollar on travel |
| Additional Bonuses | 2,500 points for referring new cardholders; 10,000 points for every fifth successful referral; 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides when linked |
| Redemption Rate | 1.25 cents per point |
| Annual Fee | None |
| Additional Rewards | Double points on the first day of each month for non-rent purchases; |
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card by American Express is a top choice for luxury credit cards. It offers amazing perks for those who love to travel. Let’s explore what makes this card stand out in the world of luxury travel.
Luxury Travel Perks
The Platinum Card gives you 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. This is up to $500,000 per calendar year1415. You also get 5X rewards for prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel14.
This means you can earn points fast. Plus, the card’s welcome offer gives you 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months15.
Airport Lounge Access
The Platinum Card is known for its airport lounge access. You get into over 1,200 airport lounges in 130 countries. This includes Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and more14.
This makes airport waits comfortable and luxurious, no matter where you are in the world.
Annual Fee and Credits
The annual fee for the Platinum Card is $6951415. It might seem high, but the card offers great benefits. You can get up to $200 back in statement credits each year for Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel15.
These credits can help make up for the annual fee. The Platinum Card is a great value for those who love luxury travel.
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
The PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card is a top choice for travel rewards. It’s listed as one of the best travel rewards credit cards for 2024 by NerdWallet16. It offers great value for travelers who want luxury and practical benefits.
This card is known for its impressive points rewards. Honors Advantage Members earn 4X points on all travel, and 3X points on all travel categories for others. Plus, new cardholders get a 50,000 bonus points after spending $3000 in 90 days, worth up to $799 in travel17. It also has a 0% intro APR for 12 months, then 17.99%17.
It has an annual fee of $95, which is lower than many new credit cards17. Cardholders get access to Priority Pass lounges at airports. It also offers purchase protection for up to 180 days after purchase, if paid in full with the card17.
To get this card, you need a credit score of 700+17. It starts with a $5,000 credit limit. It also has a cash advance interest rate of up to 17.99%17. You can reach customer service by calling (800) 247-5626 and pressing “2”17.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| WalletHub Rating | 4.0/5 |
| User Reviews | 3.2/5 based on 10 reviews |
| Market Comparison Rating | 4.1/5 compared against 1,500+ credit cards |
| Balance Transfer Fee | 3% |
| Introductory APR | 0% for 12 months, then 17.99% |
| Point Rewards | 4X on Travel for Honors Members, 3X on Travel, 1.5X on other purchases |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Credit Score Requirement | 700+ |
In summary, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards card is a great choice for travelers. It offers high rewards rates, valuable travel perks, and solid credit union benefits. It’s a top contender for those who want to earn without a high annual fee16. Always review the Terms and Conditions before applying, as NerdWallet suggests16.
Conclusion
In this review of the best travel rewards credit cards for 2024, we see a variety of options. These cards meet different travel needs and spending habits. For example, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has a $39 annual fee and is good for those with fair credit. On the other hand, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, with a $395 annual fee, offers many perks like 75,000 Venture Miles after meeting spending requirements1819.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a top choice for those who travel often. It has high-end perks, bonus points, and annual travel credits. The American Express® Gold Card is great for those who want big rewards on everyday spending. With a $325 annual fee, it offers 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months2019.
Finding the right travel rewards credit card depends on your travel goals and spending habits. Look for cards with low or no annual fees and good welcome offers. Cards like the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card have no foreign transaction fees and offer free checked baggage, perfect for international travelers20. By considering these factors, you can find the best card for your travel needs in 2024.
