Are you someone who finds joy in exploring new destinations, and you’re always on the lookout for ways to maximize your travel experience? Whether you travel for business, leisure, or both, a good travel credit card can offer a ton of benefits, from reward points to exclusive perks. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to dive into today.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 travel credit cards for frequent travelers that can help you get the most out of your travels, maximize your savings, and elevate your experience—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just beginning to explore the world, there’s a card for you.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If you’re after flexible rewards that give you the option to transfer points to various travel partners, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This card is perfect for those who want high earning potential on travel and dining expenses.
With a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points (worth $750 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®), you’re off to a strong start. Plus, you earn 2x points on travel and dining, making it ideal for frequent travelers who dine out or book flights and hotels regularly.
For everyday purchases, you get 1 point per dollar spent, but the transfer options to airlines and hotels—like United Airlines, Southwest, and Marriott—are what really make this card stand out.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you’re the type who loves luxury and premium travel benefits, the Platinum Card® from American Express is designed with you in mind. This card offers an incredible array of travel perks, including access to airport lounges, free hotel upgrades, and elite status with various hotel chains.
The sign-up bonus is worth 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. And, you’ll earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, making this card a favorite for those who travel by plane often.
On top of that, you’ll enjoy $200 in airline fee credits, access to Centurion Lounges, and no foreign transaction fees—perfect for frequent international travelers.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal for those who want easy-to-redeem rewards. This card offers 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, so no matter what you buy, you’re earning rewards for your next trip.
The sign-up bonus is 75,000 miles, which is enough to cover a significant portion of your next travel purchase. Capital One has also partnered with over 15 travel partners, so you can transfer your miles to major airline and hotel programs for even more flexibility.
With no foreign transaction fees and a relatively low annual fee, the Venture card is a great option for travelers who want straightforward earning and redemption without the complexity of rotating categories.
4. Citi Premier® Card
For those who travel frequently and also love dining out, the Citi Premier® Card is a solid choice. You earn 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, and airline tickets, making it one of the best cards for multi-category earning.
The sign-up bonus of 60,000 points (worth $750 in travel) is another huge draw, and the points transfer to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, including JetBlue, American Airlines, and Hilton Honors.
The Citi Premier® also has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent card for international travel, especially when you’re dining or booking travel abroad.
5. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
For those who want even more benefits than the Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® delivers. This card offers 3x points on travel and dining, along with an annual travel credit of $300. Plus, it comes with exclusive travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and primary rental car insurance.
The sign-up bonus is a hefty 50,000 points, which can be redeemed for $750 in travel or transferred to one of Chase’s numerous travel partners. If you value flexibility and premium perks, the Sapphire Reserve® is a fantastic option for frequent flyers.
6. Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Not just for business owners, the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is perfect for travelers who want simple, no-nonsense rewards. You earn 2x points on the first $50,000 spent annually (then 1 point per dollar), which can add up fast if you’re booking lots of flights or hotels.
There’s no annual fee, and with Membership Rewards® points, you get transfer options to a variety of airlines, giving you the chance to book flights at a fraction of the cost. It’s a great option if you’re not looking for luxury perks but want solid rewards for your travel expenses.
7. Discover it® Miles
For travelers who want a no-annual-fee card with straightforward rewards, the Discover it® Miles card is a great pick. You earn 1.5 miles per dollar on every purchase, and at the end of your first year, Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned—double the rewards.
This card comes with no foreign transaction fees, so it’s ideal for international travel. Plus, Discover’s customer service is top-notch, making it easy to get help when you need it. It’s perfect for those who want a simple rewards structure without the high annual fees.
8. U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
With the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, you can earn 3x points on travel and mobile wallet purchases. This card is geared toward tech-savvy travelers who use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay regularly.
The sign-up bonus of 50,000 points (worth $750 in travel) can be redeemed through the Altitude Rewards program, and you’ll also enjoy access to VIP airport lounge networks, travel insurance, and elite hotel upgrades.
This card is perfect for those who like to mix mobile payment with luxury travel perks.
9. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card offers 3x points on dining, travel, and streaming services, making it a great option for those who spend heavily in those categories. There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, which makes it an excellent option for international travelers.
The sign-up bonus of 30,000 points is worth $300 in travel rewards. With no blackout dates and a wide range of travel partners, the Propel card is perfect for anyone looking to earn big rewards on everyday purchases.
10. American Express® Gold Card
If you’re a foodie who loves to travel, the American Express® Gold Card should be on your radar. You’ll earn 4x points on restaurants, including takeout and delivery. You’ll also earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
The annual fee might be higher than some other options, but the rewards for dining and travel are well worth it if you’re someone who loves to explore local restaurants and cuisines while traveling.
Which Travel Credit Card is Right for You?
Choosing the best travel credit card really depends on your spending habits and what types of perks you value the most. If you prioritize luxury travel benefits, the American Express Platinum Card might be the best option for you. If you prefer straightforward rewards and low fees, the Capital One Venture Rewards card could be a better fit.
Also, consider factors like foreign transaction fees, transfer partners, and annual fees when deciding which card suits your needs. Whether you’re a business traveler, a budget-conscious adventurer, or a luxury jetsetter, there’s a card on this list that can take your travel experience to the next level.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on one of these top travel credit cards and start earning rewards toward your next amazing adventure!