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Last updatedDecember 2024

Our 5 Best Travel Credit Cards December 2024

Maximize travel points with each dollar you spend

Written by
Julia Altmann
Senior Writer
author-badge-iconExpertise
Julia Altmann is a content writer specializing in personal finance. She focuses on helping consumers navigate complex financial products, such as credit cards, by creating clear comparison charts. Julia's work is designed to simplify decision-making for readers, enabling them to evaluate their options easily and make informed financial choices.
Reviewed by
Jeanine Skowronski
Editor in Chief
Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She currently serves as Editor in Chief of Natural Intelligence’s Publisher division and has previously served as Managing Editor at Bankrate and CreditCards.com, the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet, and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

Travel credit cards offer benefits like travel rewards points, free checked bags, priority boarding, comprehensive insurance, and access to airport lounges. With many cards providing bonus points on travel and dining, you can earn rewards faster and make your trips even more enjoyable. Apply for a travel credit card and start earning travel perks today.

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capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card credit card logo
9.9
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
10.0
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.8
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
9.8
Learn More
on creditcards.com site
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Rewards Rate
2x-5x
Welcome Bonus
75,000 miles
Annual Fee
$95
Recommended Credit Score
credit-score-icon
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons

The Capital One Venture Rewards card is a low-fee travel rewards card that’s ideal for the occasional traveler. It offers travel benefits like lounge access, rental car collision coverage, and travel accident insurance, on top of an unlimited two miles per dollar on every purchase.

Learn more about Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
american-express-gold-card credit card logo
8.6
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
7.5
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.8
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
9.4
American Express® Gold Card
Rewards Rate
1x-4x
Welcome Bonus
60,000 points
Annual Fee
$325
Recommended Credit Score
credit-score-icon
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons

The Gold Card from American Express is best suited for anyone who dines out at restaurants frequently or spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets each year. The Gold Card's rewards more than pay for the $325 annual fee for many cardholders. Overall, the Gold Card is a great option if you dine out or travel frequently.

Terms Apply, See Rates & Fees

Learn more about American Express® Gold Card
chase-sapphire-preferred credit card logo
9.4
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.9
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
9.6
Learn More
on chase.com site
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Rewards Rate
1x-5x
Welcome Bonus
60,000 points
Annual Fee
$95
Recommended Credit Score
credit-score-icon
700-850 (Good to Excellent)
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons

The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is a good option for anyone looking for a reasonably priced card to get the most out of their travel, dining, and grocery shopping expenses. The card is loaded with great perks and rewards that more than makeup for its $95 annual fee.

Learn more about Chase Sapphire Preferred card
the-platinum-card-from-american-express credit card logo
8.6
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
7.5
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.8
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
9.4
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Rewards Rate
5x
Welcome Bonus
80,000 points
Annual Fee
$695
Recommended Credit Score
credit-score-icon
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a luxury travel rewards card with a steep annual fee but offsets it with more than $1,500 in annual statement credits. Overall, this is an excellent card for frequent travelers who can make use of the statement credits.

Terms Apply, See Rates & Fees

Learn more about The Platinum Card® from American Express card
capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card credit card logo
9.0
BestMoneyscore
Popularity
Based on visits in the past 7 days
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based on web trends
9.8
Features & Benefits
Based on our editorial reviews
9.4
Learn More
on creditcards.com site
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Rewards Rate
2x-10x
Welcome Bonus
75,000 miles
Annual Fee
$395
Recommended Credit Score
credit-score-icon
740-850 (Very Good to Excellent)
Summary
Editor's Review
Card Features
Pros & Cons

The Capital One Venture X card is a generous travel rewards card. It offers over $500 in annual statement credits, plus up to 10X miles on hotels and rental car purchases. You get perks like global lounge access, President’s Circle® status with Hertz, and rental car collision coverage. Overall, this card is great for frequent travelers with excellent credit.

Learn more about Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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BestMoney Total Score
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Popularity
BestMoney measures user engagement based on the number of clicks each listed brand received in the past 7 days. The number of clicks to each brand will be measured against other brands listed in the same query. Therefore, the higher the share of clicks a brand receives in any specific query, the higher the Click Trend Score. BestMoney accepts advertising compensation from companies, which impacts their (and/or their products’) position, and in some cases, may also affect their Click Trend Score.
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Semrush is a trusted and comprehensive tool that offers insights about online visibility and performance. The BestMoney Total Score will consist of the brand's reputation from Semrush. The brand reputation is based on Semrush's analysis of clickstream data, which includes user behavior, search patterns, and engagement, to accurately measure each brand's prominence, credibility, and trustworthiness. If a brand does not have a Semrush score, the BestMoney Total Score will be based solely on the Click Trend Score and Products & Features Score (read below).
Features & Benefits
BestMoney’s editorial team researches and reviews financial products based on factors such as: range of products and services offered, ease-of-use, online accessibility, customer service, special awards, and more. Each brand is then given a score based on the offerings in each parameter. The specific parameters which we use to evaluate the score of each product can be found on its review page.
Editorial Reviews
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
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Everything You Need to Know About Applying for a Travel Credit Card Online

Navigating the world of the best travel credit cards can seem daunting, but with a bit of know-how, you can quickly secure the best credit card for travel. Applying online has made the process more convenient than ever. Simply research, compare features and benefits, and then hit that "apply now" button, all from the comfort of your home.

How to Choose the Right Travel Card for You

Choosing the best travel card isn't just about picking the first offer you see. It requires understanding your travel habits and spending patterns.

Frequent Flyers: If you're always in the air, the best credit card for airline miles might be your best bet. Airline credit cards often come with mile bonuses and special airport privileges.

General Travelers: Not loyal to a particular airline? The best travel rewards credit card offers flexibility, allowing you to redeem points for a broader range of travel expenses.

Budget Travelers: If you want the most bang for your buck, compare the best travel cards based on their annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and rewards structure.

Remember, the best travel credit cards cater to individual needs. Consider your priorities and use them as a guide to find your match.

Travel Credit Cards 101

Before diving into the vast ocean of the best credit cards for travel, it's essential to understand the basics.

Rewards Structure: Travel credit cards usually offer points or miles for every dollar spent. Some might give bonus points for specific categories, like dining or gas.

Sign-up Bonuses: One allure of the best travel cards is the attractive sign-up bonuses. This often means meeting a certain spending threshold in the first few months.

Redemption: it's not just about earning points; how you can redeem them matters too. Some allow for hotel bookings, while others are strictly airline-centric.

FAQs


Which is the best travel credit card?

The answer varies based on individual needs. Some might find airline credit cards best for frequent flying, while others might prioritize flexible redemption options.

Are there any downsides to travel credit cards?

While they come with great rewards, some travel credit cards might have higher annual fees or specific spending requirements. Always read the terms before applying.

Can I use my travel credit card for everyday purchases?

Absolutely! The best credit cards for travel often encourage everyday spending to help you accumulate points or miles faster.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting, there's a travel credit card out there for you. Dive in, compare, and embark on your next adventure with confidence.


Disclosures

Bank of America

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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