Travel credit cards do more than just cover expenses—they make your trips more rewarding and stress-free. 

With a travel credit card, you can turn everyday purchases into free flights, hotel upgrades, or even access to VIP airport lounges.

With the global travel credit card market expected to reach $48.5 billion by 2032, it's no surprise that more travelers are catching on. 

From earning miles to skipping foreign transaction fees and getting built-in travel insurance, these cards can upgrade how you travel. Let’s explore how you can make your adventures even better with a travel credit card. 

Travel Credit Card Comparison

The Best Travel Credit Cards

Finding the perfect travel credit card can make a big difference in your travel experience. 

Whether it be using points for free flights or enjoying airport lounge access, they offer benefits that make your travels just that much more enjoyable. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the best options, along with a comparative analysis to help you choose the one that suits your travel style.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• Features: Up to 5X points on travel, 3x points on dining and online grocery purchases, 1X points on all other purchases.

• Benefits: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards), no foreign transaction fees, 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.

• Annual Fee: $95

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49%

• Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent

Why it stands out: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a favorite among frequent travelers because of its flexible rewards system. You can transfer points 1:1 to various travel partners, unlike some cards that limit how you use your points. This flexibility makes it ideal for maximizing travel rewards across different loyalty programs.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Features: 2X miles per dollar on every purchase.

• Benefits: 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, no foreign transaction fees, and a credit for TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application fees.

• Annual Fee: $95

• APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR afterward

• Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent

How it compares: This card shines for travelers who want simplicity. Every dollar you spend earns 2X miles, without worrying about spending categories. While it lacks the point transfer flexibility of the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Venture Rewards card’s TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry credit is a nice perk for frequent flyers.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Features: 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.

• Benefits: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges, up to $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 in Uber savings annually.

• Annual Fee: $695

• APR: Not applicable (as it’s a charge card), though there’s a pay-over-time feature with 21.24% to 29.24% APR.

• Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent

Luxury traveler’s pick: If you value luxury travel perks, this card is for you. The extensive lounge network and annual credits can easily offset the high annual fee. It’s best for those who travel often and want premium perks, though it requires paying off the balance monthly.

American Express® Gold Card

• Features: 4X points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

• Benefits: Up to $120 in annual dining credits, no foreign transaction fees.

• Annual Fee: $250

• APR: 21.24% to 29.24% variable APR on eligible charges.

• Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent

Best for foodies: The American Express Gold Card’s 4X points at restaurants and supermarkets make it a great choice for food lovers. While the annual fee is significant, the dining credits and points-earning potential make it worth it for those who spend alot in these categories.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Features: Earn 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when you book through Chase Travel.

• Benefits: 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, $300 annual travel credit, access to over 1,000 airport lounges.

• Annual Fee: $550

• APR: 22.49% to 29.49% variable APR

• Recommended Credit: Excellent

For frequent flyers: This premium card comes with an extensive list of travel perks, like Priority Pass lounge access and a $300 travel credit, which significantly reduces the annual fee’s sting. Compared to the Sapphire Preferred, the Reserve offers more perks but comes with a steeper fee.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

• Features: 1.5X points per $1 on all purchases.

• Benefits: 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, no foreign transaction fees.

• Annual Fee: $0

• APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable APR

• Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent

Best simple rewards: If you prefer straightforward rewards without fees, this card is a solid choice. It lacks category bonuses, but the flat rewards rate is appealing for those who don’t want to track spending categories.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• Features: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges, up to $100 in credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

• Benefits: 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel, 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

• Annual Fee: $395

• APR: 21.99% to 28.99% variable APR

• Recommended Credit: Excellent

Best for lounge lovers: The Venture X card is a great mid-tier option for travelers who want premium perks without the high fees. The generous bonus categories and airport lounge access make it a strong competitor to the Amex Platinum.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• Features: 1.25X miles on every purchase.

• Benefits: 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months, no foreign transaction fees.

• Annual Fee: $0

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; afterward, 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR.

• Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent

Great for beginners: If you’re just dipping your toes into travel rewards, the VentureOne card is a fantastic, no-fee option. It offers a decent rewards rate and a solid welcome bonus without any cost, making it easy to start earning miles.

Why Consider a Travel Credit Card?

A travel credit card can change the way you travel, offering more than just a payment method. 

Here’s how these travel rewards cards elevate your adventures, with a look at the psychology behind why they’ve become so popular.

Earning Potential: Points, Miles, and Cashback

One of the biggest draws of travel credit cards is the ability to earn rewards. 

Points, miles, or cashback turn your everyday spending into opportunities for future adventures. In fact, a Forbes Advisor survey found that 80% of cardholders with upcoming travel plans will use their travel credit cards to pay for those trips. 

But there’s more to it than numbers. The excitement of earning rewards fuels our sense of anticipation and wanderlust. Each dollar you spend feels like an investment in your dream vacation, creating an emotional connection that keeps you motivated and engaged.

Travel-Specific Perks

Travel credit cards come loaded with perks that can make your journey smoother and more luxurious:

• Lounge access: Escape the hustle of the airport with access to exclusive lounges.

• Priority boarding: Skip the lines and board early, giving you peace of mind and first dibs on overhead space.

• Free checked bags: Save money and travel lighter, a huge advantage for frequent flyers.

These perks cater to the needs of travelers who value comfort and efficiency, making each trip feel seamless and low-key.

Financial Protection and Peace of Mind

Traveling comes with its share of uncertainties, but travel credit cards often include financial protections to keep you covered:

• Travel insurance: Safeguard against unexpected events like trip cancellations or lost luggage.

• Fraud protection: Stay protected from unauthorized charges, even when traveling internationally.

• No foreign transaction fees: Avoid extra costs when making purchases abroad.

These features not only provide a sense of security but also make it easier to spend and explore without worrying about hidden fees. Plus, with the rise of digital transactions and social media influence, travelers are now more aware of their financial safety and the importance of hassle-free experiences.

Types of Credit Cards for Travel

When choosing a travel credit card, it’s important to know the different types available. Each comes with unique benefits tailored to different travel habits. 

Airline-Specific Cards

Airline credit cards are perfect if you frequently fly with a particular airline. They offer rewards and perks that enhance your experience with that airline.

• Rewards: Earn miles that you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, or even inflight purchases.

• Perks: Enjoy benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags, and discounts on in-flight services.

• Example: The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card provides perks like priority boarding and free checked bags on Delta flights.

Who they are for: Loyal flyers of a specific airline who want to maximize their travel experience with that brand.

Hotel-Specific Cards

These hotel cards reward you for staying at certain hotel chains, making them great for frequent travelers who prefer consistent accommodations.

• Rewards: Earn points redeemable for free nights, room upgrades, and resort credits.

• Perks: Enjoy benefits like early check-in, late check-out, and complimentary elite status at participating hotels.

• Example: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card offers free night certificates and automatic Silver Elite status.

Who they are for: Travelers who regularly stay at a particular hotel chain and want to take advantage of exclusive perks.

General Travel Cards

These versatile cards let you earn points or miles on a wide range of travel-related purchases. They’re ideal if you don’t want to be tied to one brand.

• Rewards: Earn points on categories like flights, hotels, dining, and more, often with flexible redemption options.

• Perks: No foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and access to travel portals for easy redemption.

• Example: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card allows you to transfer points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering flexibility.

Who they are for: Travelers who value flexibility and want to redeem rewards across multiple airlines or hotels.

Cash Back Cards with Travel Benefits

These cards combine the simplicity of earning cashback with travel-friendly perks, like no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.

• Rewards: Earn cashback on every purchase, with some cards offering higher rates for travel-related expenses.

• Perks: Benefit from features like travel protection and global acceptance, making them suitable for international use.

• Example: The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no foreign transaction fees.

Who they are for: Travelers who prefer straightforward cashback rewards but still want some travel perks.

How to Choose a Travel Credit Card

Choosing a travel credit card can be overwhelming, but if you focus on features that are important to you, it can simplify the process. 

1. Sign-Up Bonus

Many travel cards offer generous sign-up bonuses that give your rewards a huge boost right from the start. 

These bonuses often require you to spend a certain amount within the first few months, so make sure the spending requirement aligns with your budget and spending habits.

Tip: A sign-up bonus worth at least $500 in travel value is a solid deal.

2. Earning Rate

Consider how easily you can earn points or miles based on your spending habits. 

Some cards reward travel and dining, while others offer higher rates for everyday expenses like groceries or gas.

Tip: Choose a card that rewards the categories you spend most on to maximize your points.

3. Annual Fee

Travel credit cards come with annual fees ranging from $0 to several hundred dollars. 

Weigh the fee against the card's benefits to see if it's worth it. If the perks (like lounge access or travel credits) offset the fee, it may be a great investment.

Tip: If you don’t travel frequently, a no-fee card might be a better option.

4. Redemption Value

Flexibility in how you redeem points or miles is important. 

Some cards offer higher value when you book travel through their portal or transfer points to airline and hotel partners.

Tip: Check if the card allows point transfers and if it has travel partners you frequently use.

5. Foreign Transaction Fees

If you plan to travel internationally, make sure your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, which can add up quickly. 

Most top travel cards waive these fees, saving you around 3% on every international purchase.

Tip: Always confirm this perk before traveling abroad.

6. Travel Protections and Insurances

Look for cards that offer travel insurance, like trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency medical coverage. 

These protections can give you peace of mind and potentially save you money.

Tip: Read the fine print to understand what’s covered and the limitations.

7. Airport Lounge Access

For frequent travelers, airport lounge access can be a game-changer. 

Some premium cards provide complimentary access to a network of airport lounges worldwide.

Tip: If you value comfort and quiet at airports, prioritize this feature.

8. Flexible Redemption Options

Flexibility is key if you don’t want to be tied to a single airline or hotel chain. 

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred offer options to transfer points or book through various travel platforms.

Tip: Choose a card that gives you multiple ways to redeem your rewards for maximum value.

Tips for Maximizing Travel Credit Card Benefits

Getting the most out of your travel credit card requires more than just swiping it for purchases. Here’s how to maximize the value of your card:

1. Strategic Spending to Earn Bonuses

Many travel cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses if you meet a spending requirement within the first few months. 

Plan your spending strategically by using your card for everyday expenses, upcoming bills, or even big-ticket purchases to hit the target amount.

Tip: Time your large expenses, like holiday shopping or travel bookings, to align with the bonus period.

2. Redeeming Points/Miles for Maximum Value

Not all redemption options offer equal value. 

Booking travel through the card’s rewards portal or transferring points to partner airlines and hotels often gives you the best bang for your buck.

Tip: Compare different redemption options before booking. Sometimes, transferring points can significantly increase their value.

3. Taking Advantage of Card-Specific Perks and Offers

Many travel cards come with perks like free checked bags, airport lounge access, or statement credits for travel expenses. 

Make sure to use these benefits to offset the annual fee and improve your travel experience.

Tip: Set reminders to use perks like annual travel credits or Global Entry fee reimbursements so they don’t go to waste.

4. Combining Cards for a Comprehensive Travel Rewards Strategy

Some savvy travelers use multiple travel credit cards to maximize their rewards. 

For example, one card might earn higher points on dining while another offers better rewards for travel bookings. Using both strategically can increase your rewards.

Tip: Make sure the benefits of having multiple cards outweigh the combined annual fees.

Common Misconceptions About Travel Credit Cards

There are plenty of myths about travel credit cards that can be misleading. So let’s set the record straight.

• Myth: "Travel credit cards are only for frequent travelers."

  • Reality: Even occasional travelers can benefit from these cards. Everyday spending can earn rewards, and perks like no foreign transaction fees are useful for any international trip.

• Myth: "The annual fee isn’t worth it."

  • Reality: While some cards come with high fees, the perks—like lounge access, travel credits, and insurance protections—can easily outweigh the cost if you use them wisely.

• Myth: “You have to spend thousands to earn rewards.” 

  • Reality: Many cards offer generous welcome bonuses that can be earned with reasonable spending over a few months. If you use your credit card for everyday expenses like groceries, gas and monthly bills, the points add up quickly. 

• Myth: Redeeming Points Is Complicated. 

  • Reality: While some programs have blackout dates or restrictions, many modern travel cards make redemption straightforward, with flexible options like statement credits, transfers, or direct booking.

• Myth: Having a travel credit card inevitably results in overspending and accumulating debt.

  • Reality: Travel credit cards don’t force you to spend more; they reward you for spending you’re already doing. Responsible credit card use, such as paying off the balance in full each month, avoids interest charges and debt entirely.

The Importance of Reading the Fine Print

It’s important to understand the terms and conditions of your card. 

Some rewards might have expiration dates, and certain perks may only apply under specific circumstances. Knowing these details ensures you’re not missing out on valuable benefits.

Conclusion

Imagine turning your everyday purchases into free flights, hotel stays, or exclusive travel perks. 

With the right travel credit card, you can make that a reality. From earning valuable rewards to accessing VIP airport lounges, these cards offer incredible benefits that can transform the way you travel.

Before you choose, think about your own travel habits and financial goals. Do you jet off frequently or take one big trip a year? Do you prefer luxury perks or simple, straightforward rewards? Understanding what matters most to you will help you make the smartest choice.

Ultimately, it’s about finding the card that fits your lifestyle and maximizes your travel experiences. Make an informed decision, and let your next adventure be even more rewarding!

Secure Your Next Adventure with Ridge Wallet

Ready to make the most of your travel adventures? 

A well-chosen travel credit card can elevate your travel experience and make your travel goals more achievable. But as you gear up to explore the world, don’t forget about the essentials that keep you secure and organized.

Ridge Wallets are designed to simplify your travels with their sleek, durable design and built-in RFID-blocking technology to protect your cards from digital theft. With compact storage for your travel credit cards and cash, Ridge Wallet keeps everything you need easily accessible while saving space.

Set yourself up for stress-free adventures with Ridge. Check out our range of minimalist men's wallets and travel accessories to get started on your next journey.

FAQs

How do I keep my travel credit card safe?

To keep your travel credit card secure, consider using a wallet with RFID-blocking technology, like a Ridge Wallet, to prevent digital theft. Set up alerts for unusual transactions, use contactless payments when possible, and avoid sharing your card details over public Wi-Fi. Always keep an eye on your card when making purchases, and if you lose your card, report it immediately.

What is the best card for international travel?

The best card for international travel depends on your needs, but look for one with no foreign transaction fees, global acceptance, and strong travel protections. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture Rewards Card are popular choices because they offer robust rewards and perks specifically tailored for international use.

Do I need to let my credit card company know I'm traveling?

While it’s becoming less necessary with advanced fraud detection, it’s still a good idea to notify your credit card company of your travel plans, especially for international trips. This can help prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity while you’re abroad. Many issuers also have travel notification features in their mobile apps for easy updates.

What credit score do you need to get a travel credit card?

Most travel credit cards require a good to excellent credit score, typically ranging from 670 to 850. If your credit score falls in this range, you have a higher chance of approval and may qualify for cards with better rewards and perks. If your score needs improvement, consider building your credit before applying.