Best Credit Card for Travel Perks: Maximize Your Travel Rewards and Benefits
- 1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- 2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- 3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- 4. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
- 5. American Express® Gold Card
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
For many travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is often considered the best credit card for travel perks. Offering 2x points on travel and dining, this card is perfect for those who love to explore new destinations and indulge in local cuisines. But the benefits don't stop there—new cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for $750 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
One of the standout features of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the flexibility it offers. You can transfer points to over 10 airline and hotel partners, providing the ability to redeem rewards in a way that suits your unique travel preferences. Whether you’re booking a flight to Europe or a luxury stay in an exotic resort, this card has got you covered.
Travel tip: Use your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® for an extra 25% in value. Plus, if you’re planning a trip to a popular destination, booking in advance can help you maximize rewards and avoid last-minute booking fees!
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express
The The Platinum Card® from American Express is synonymous with luxury travel perks. This card is designed for frequent travelers who want to indulge in premium experiences. You’ll earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. These points can quickly add up to incredible travel rewards.
Beyond the points, The Platinum Card® offers a suite of travel-related benefits, including access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, a $200 annual airline fee credit, and an annual $100 credit for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue. But perhaps the most sought-after feature is the 24/7 concierge service, which can help you with everything from restaurant reservations to booking exclusive experiences abroad.
Travel tip: If you enjoy traveling in style, consider making the most of the airport lounge access, which provides free food, drinks, and a comfortable place to relax between flights.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you’re looking for simplicity without sacrificing rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option. This card offers 2x miles on every purchase, meaning you can rack up miles on all your daily spending—no rotating categories or complicated bonus structures. Plus, new cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles if they spend $4,000 within the first 3 months, which is worth up to $750 in travel.
The Venture Rewards card is also notable for its flexible redemption options. You can use your miles to erase travel purchases, including flights, hotel stays, and even car rentals. With no blackout dates or restrictions, this card allows for complete freedom in how and when you use your rewards.
Travel tip: Capital One Venture’s travel purchase eraser feature is fantastic for those who prefer to book through third-party platforms, such as Expedia or Airbnb, without worrying about earning points.
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is another top-tier option for travelers seeking premium benefits. This card offers 3x points on travel immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit, and 3x points on dining. With a hefty annual fee, this card is best suited for those who travel frequently and can take full advantage of its perks, such as Priority Pass lounge access, a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Moreover, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offers strong travel insurance benefits, including trip delay insurance, primary rental car insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage. For the frequent traveler, the value of these benefits cannot be overstated.
Travel tip: Be sure to use the travel credit and redeem points for flights and hotel stays through Chase Ultimate Rewards® to make the most of this card’s value.
5. American Express® Gold Card
For foodies who love to travel, the American Express® Gold Card is a standout. This card earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. If you enjoy dining out while exploring new destinations, this card will help you rack up rewards quickly. Plus, it comes with a $120 dining credit (up to $10 per month) at participating restaurants.
While it doesn’t offer as many premium benefits as the Platinum Card, the American Express® Gold Card provides a great balance of rewards and value for those who prioritize dining and travel. The points you earn can be transferred to over 20 travel partners, allowing for flexible redemption options when booking flights and hotel stays.
Travel tip: Take advantage of the dining credit to enjoy local cuisine while traveling, and maximize your 4x points on restaurant purchases to build up rewards quickly.
