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The travel rewards credit card landscape is competitive, with issuers launching new products and updating existing offerings to stay on top of the market. Picking the best travel credit card for you is going to depend on your priorities: Do you want a card packed with benefits, or one with a lower annual fee? Which benefit will you use more, airport lounge access or travel insurance? Here are the top options to include in your travel credit cards comparison, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market.

Methodology

Our team of experts evaluated over 100 travel credit cards, including cards that earn flexible rewards, airline miles and hotel points. We considered factors including welcome bonuses, rewards, fees, day-of-travel benefits and other travel-related perks. Using a data-based approach, we narrowed down the list to the 10 best credit cards for travel that scored highly based on our weightings. Read our full methodology below.

Show summary

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Key takeaways
2X
Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases
5X
Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals when booking via Capital One Travel
10X
Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best travel credit card
Learn More
On CardRatings’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent</div>
Why we picked it

The Venture X? is an all-around rockstar, with perks and benefits that help you at every stage of travel. Stellar earning rates on everyday spending, as well as large bonus multipliers for travel booked with Capital One, can help you jumpstart your next vacation, and airport lounge access (in the form of both a Priority Pass membership and access to Capital One’s exclusive airport lounges) can add relaxation to your travel day.

+ Pros
  • Earn 2 miles per dollar on non-bonus categories with no cap
  • Annual $300 credit toward Capital One Travel bookings
  • 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
– Cons
  • May charge an above-average APR
  • Charges a $395 annual fee
  • Rewards are best suited for travel and are worth much less if you redeem for cash back
Highlights
  • 2x miles on most purchases
  • 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Ability to transfer miles to more than a dozen partners Access to airport lounges through Priority Pass, Plaza Premium Group and Capital One Lounges
  • 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening

Chase Sapphire Reserve?

Key takeaways
5x
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel? immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
3x
Earn 3x points on other travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases
Chase Sapphire Reserve?
4.6/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for travel spending
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$550
Regular APR
22.49%-29.49% Variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent</div>
Why we picked it

The Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options for people who make a lot of travel purchases. Card holders earn 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards? points per dollar on most flights booked through Chase Travel? and 10 points per dollar on most hotels booked through Chase Travel (earn rates apply after the first $300 in travel is spent annually). You’ll get 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. You can also get up to $300 in travel spending refunded each year — and “travel” is defined generously, including classic options like flights and hotels as well as parking, tolls, taxis and more. The Sapphire Reserve’s benefits, particularly its travel insurance, are among the best on the market.

+ Pros
  • Offers up to $300 in annual statement credits to cover travel
  • Provides luxury travel benefits such as airport lounge access
  • Points are worth 50% more when used to reserve travel through Chase Travel?
– Cons
  • $550?annual fee
  • $75 annual fee for each authorized user
  • Must book travel through Chase Travel? to unlock highest rewards rates
Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Key takeaways
2X
Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, every day
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.7/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for flexible/easy rewards
Learn More
On CardRatings’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus offer

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Earn 75,000 bonus mile
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>
Why we picked it

It’s hard to quantify the value of simplicity, but the Capital One Venture card is a strong choice for anyone who prioritizes ease of redemption. While it shares Venture X’s redemption options, the annual fee of $95 is much more approachable than the Venture X’s $395. Options for redeeming Capital One miles include transferring them to a solid list of airline and hotel partners, unlocking statement credits to cover travel purchases and getting cash back. Keep in mind that miles aren’t worth the same across redemption options — you’ll likely get the most value by strategically transferring miles.

+ Pros
  • Welcome bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
  • Miles transfer to airline and hotel partners
– Cons
  • Limited bonus rewards opportunities
  • Charges a $95 annual fee
  • Rewards are best suited for travel and are worth much less if you redeem for cash back
Highlights
  • 2x miles on most spending
  • 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • $95 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to $100 credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
  • Ability to transfer your miles to more than a dozen travel loyalty programs

The Platinum Card? from American Express

Key takeaways
5X
Earn 5 Membership Rewards? Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex travel. The airline benefit is limited to the first $500,000 in purchases per calendar year.
1X
Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases
Partner Offer
The Platinum Card? from American Express
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
4.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for luxury benefits
Apply Now
On American Express’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 80,000 points
Annual fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>
Why we picked it

While the Amex Platinum carries a hefty $695 annual fee, members earn valuable American Express Membership Rewards? points and get treated to a host of luxury perks, such as access to American Express’ Global Lounge Collection (including Amex Centurion Lounges), elite-like benefits through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, and annual statement credits for spending with brands such as Equinox and Saks. Amex Platinum card holders also get access to a concierge service and travel consultants to help with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations and more.

+ Pros
  • Generous welcome bonus offer
  • Premium benefits including statement credits, hotel elite status and airport lounge access
  • Top-notch travel and purchase protections
– Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Base rewards rate is just 1 point per dollar on most purchases
  • Statement credits and perks can be hard to maximize
Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards? Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards? Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts? or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card?. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card? on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection? can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card? to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card?.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $199 CLEAR? Plus Credit: CLEAR? Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck? (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card?. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card?. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card? to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.¤
  • Terms Apply.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Key takeaways
1.25X
Earn unlimited 1.25x miles on every purchase, every day. Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
5X
Earn 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
3.8/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best no annual fee credit card
Learn More
On CardRatings’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel

20,000 Miles
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% Variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>
Why we picked it

The Capital One VentureOne is one of the only no annual fee credit cards that lets you earn transferable points. Yes, the welcome bonus is smaller than those offered by the other Venture family cards (20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel), and the base earning rate is lower (1.25 vs. 2 miles per dollar), but being able to get value without any annual fee or foreign transaction fees is incredibly appealing to some.

+ Pros
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then a 19.99% – 29.99% Variable APR)
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Possible to transfer miles to participating loyalty programs
– Cons
  • Requires strong credit history
  • Travel must be booked through Capital One Travel to earn bonus rewards
  • May charge a high regular APR (19.99% – 29.99% Variable)
Highlights
  • 1.25x miles on most purchases
  • 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months, 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey? Card

*

The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Key takeaways
5X
Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels
4X
4X points on airlines
3X
3X points on other travel and restaurants
1X
1X points on other purchases
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey? Card
Rates & Fees
4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for earning Wells Fargo points
Welcome bonus offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.

60,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.74%, 25.74%, or 29.74% variable APR
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>
Why we picked it

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is a solid choice if you want flexibility in redeeming rewards. You can transfer Wells Fargo points to airline and hotel partners, including Choice Privileges, British Airways Executive Club, Air France-KLM Flying Blue and Avianca Lifemiles. But if you prefer cash back or redeeming rewards directly for travel, you’ll get a value of 1 cent per point when you use rewards this way. This card is an exceptional earner, too, offering 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airline purchases, and 3x points on other travel and dining. It charges a $95 annual fee, but you can offset more than half of it by taking advantage of a $50 annual statement credit toward airline purchases of $50 or more. Solid travel insurance and generous cell phone protection round out the card’s suite of benefits.

+ Pros
  • Generous welcome bonus offer
  • Flexible redemption options including transfers to partners
  • Annual $50 airfare credit
– Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Small list of airline and hotel partners
  • Low base rewards rate
Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
  • Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and dining, and 1x on other purchases.
  • $95 annual fee.
  • Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
  • Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
  • Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature? Concierge.

Citi Strata Premier? Card

*

The information for the Citi Strata Premier? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Key takeaways
10X
Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
3X
Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
1X
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Citi Strata Premier? Card
Rates & Fees
3.8/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for earning Citi ThankYou points
Welcome bonus offer

70,000 bonus ThankYou? Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

70,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>
Why we picked it

The Citi Strata Premier got more than just a name change when it replaced the now-retired Citi Premier? Card * The information for the Citi Premier? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . It tops our list of the best Citi credit cards not only for its generous welcome bonus and rewards categories, but also for its travel protections. When you use the card to pay for qualifying travel, you’ll receive car rental insurance (secondary in the US), trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement. Plus, the Citi ThankYou Rewards? points you’ll earn can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel partners, and the card’s annual $100 off a single hotel stay that costs $500 or more booked through Citi Travel (not including taxes and fees) can offset all of its $95 annual fee.

+ Pros
  • Bonus rewards on everyday spending categories?
  • Flexible redemption options?
  • Annual hotel discount
– Cons
  • Low base rewards rate?
  • Charges a $95 annual fee
  • Must book through Citi Travel to get hotel discount
Highlights
  • Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou? Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
  • Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and?Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card

Key takeaways
6X
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy? points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy?
3X
Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy? points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
2X
2X Marriott Bonvoy? points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card
Partner Offer
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
4.7/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best hotel card for all-around travel
Apply Now
On American Express’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus offer

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy? bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 95,000 points
Annual fee
$650
Regular APR
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>
Why we picked it

Marriott Bonvoy loyalists can get huge value from the premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (terms apply, see rates and fees) card despite its $650 annual fee. Along with a substantial welcome bonus, the card offers up to $25 per month (up to $300 per year) in reimbursement for dining purchases, automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite status and a free night award worth up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points each year after you renew the card. Frequent flyers can get even more value from the Priority Pass Select airport lounge access and a credit for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee (available once every four years). However, if you don’t travel often enough to take advantage of the card’s perks, a less-expensive Marriott credit card may be a better choice.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card isn’t our best hotel card overall — that honor goes to the Sapphire Preferred. Our best travel methodology places less weight on the annual fee and more weight on card benefits (think airport lounge access, travel insurance and other perks) than our best hotel methodology, which helps this pricier Marriott card.

+ Pros
  • Valuable perks for Marriott stays
  • Premium travel and dining benefits
  • High base rewards rate
– Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Rewards have limited flexibility
  • No introductory 0% APR
Highlights
  • Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy? bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy? points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy?. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy? points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy? points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card.
  • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy?. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton? or St. Regis? when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck? (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy? Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass? Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month’s wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card

Key takeaways
3X
Earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta flights and Delta Vacations?
1X
Earn 1 mile per dollar for all other eligible purchases
Partner Offer
Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
3.9/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best airline card for all-around travel
Apply Now
On American Express’s Secure Website
Welcome bonus offer

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 100,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$650
Regular APR
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>
Why we picked it

If you’re a frequent Delta Air Lines flyer, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve (terms apply, see rates and fees) could be just the tool you need to make your travels more civilized. Yes, it’s got a sky-high $650 annual fee, but it can be well worth it if you make the most of the card’s perks. As a card holder, you’ll receive Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion lounge access when you fly Delta, a free first checked bag, priority boarding and in-flight discounts on Delta flights, plus an annual companion certificate to bring a pal on one eligible itinerary for just the cost of taxes and fees (no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights). But if you want to earn Delta SkyMiles and don’t need all the premium perks, one of the lower-tier Delta credit cards may be more your speed.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve isn’t our best airline card – that’s the Capital One Venture card. The annual fee weighs less heavily in our best travel methodology than in our best airline ranking and card benefits have slightly more pull, boosting this high-annual-fee Delta card.

+ Pros
  • Cardholders receive complimentary Delta Sky Club access when they fly Delta
  • Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
  • Annual companion certificate
– Cons
  • $650 annual fee
  • Must be flying Delta to access Delta Sky Clubs
  • Non-Delta purchases only earn 1 mile per dollar
Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
  • Receive four Delta Sky Club? One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion? Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion? Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • Earn $1 Medallion? Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+?, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
  • Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Our picks at a glance

?Annual feeWelcome bonusBest forNotable feature
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
$395
75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
Travel
$300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles
Chase Sapphire Reserve?
$550
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Travel spending
$300 annual travel credit
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
$95
75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Flexible/easy rewards
Flexibility to transfer miles to travel partners or use other redemption options
Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card
$95
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Beginners
25% bonus when redeeming points for travel through the Chase portal
The Platinum Card? from American Express
$695
80,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening
Luxury travel benefits
Over $1,500 in annual benefits with various partner brands
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
$0
20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
No annual fee
Earn flexible, transferable miles without paying an annual fee

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey? Card * The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

$95
60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening
Earning Wells Fargo points
$50 annual airfare credit

Citi Strata Premier? Card * The information for the Citi Strata Premier? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

$95
70,000 bonus ThankYou? Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Earning Citi ThankYou points
$100 annual hotel credit
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant? American Express? Card
$650
95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership
Hotels
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite status
Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card
$650
100,000 miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership
Airlines
Delta Sky Club access

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards fall into a general dichotomy of specific and general: Some offer rewards and perks with a particular airline or hotel, while others offer broader appeal. Either way, travel credit cards can improve your time on the road and earn you points and miles for your next vacation.

Transferable points cards

Let’s say you want to fly from Miami to Paris next year. If you have a co-branded American Airlines credit card, you’ll earn AAdvantage miles that you can use to book flights operated by American Airlines or one of its partner airlines, such as British Airways.

But award seats might not be available on the days you want to travel, forcing you to look at other options. If instead of American Airlines miles you’d collected rewards through a credit card issuer’s rewards program, such as Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, you could have more flexibility.

That’s because those rewards programs allow transfers to participating airline loyalty programs, not all of which are part of the same airline alliance. An airline alliance is a group of airlines that collaborates to offer travel to more destinations, and travelers can typically redeem rewards they hold with one airline’s loyalty program for flights with any alliance-member airline. As a result, earning transferable rewards such as Capital One miles can increase your redemption options.

Co-branded airline credit cards

Some people are fiercely loyal to a single airline, possibly because it’s the dominant carrier in their home city or because that airline serves the destinations they fly to most often. Co-branded airline credit cards can be especially appealing in these cases. If you already earn a lot of miles with a single airline from flying, augmenting that balance with a credit card welcome bonus makes sense. And card perks like free checked bags, airport lounge access and rebates on in-flight Wi-Fi can add up.

Co-branded hotel credit cards

Some business travelers will end up loyal to a specific hotel brand because that’s where their company puts them up, and other travelers might just pick based on personal preference. A co-branded hotel credit card can be a great shortcut to earning points and elite status in hotel loyalty programs, and getting access to jealousy-inducing perks such as suite upgrades and free breakfasts. Some hotel cards offer elite status simply for holding the card. Many hotel cards also offer free nights, which can offset their annual fees.

Flat-rate rewards cards

Some travel cards earn rewards you can redeem at a fixed rate for travel (often 1 cent per point or mile). These cards, including the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card * The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and Discover it? Miles * The information for the Discover it? Miles has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , function more like cash back cards with a travel focus.

You can’t get more value out of your points or miles by saving up for an aspirational first-class redemption, but for less frequent travelers these can be a great choice. They’re more straightforward than transferable points cards and make it easier to cash out in smaller chunks. If you have 19,999 miles in your frequent flyer account and the award you need costs 20,000, your hard-earned rewards aren’t bringing you any value (unless you buy miles or find another way to close the gap).

Travel cards vs. cash back cards

Issuers typically advertise travel credit cards as earning points or miles. With a cash back credit card, you can expect to earn back some percentage of your eligible spending as cash. Some cash back cards earn at higher rates on travel spending. For example, the U.S. Bank Cash+? Visa Signature? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+? Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. earns 5% cash back on eligible travel bookings.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

The travel credit card marketplace is full of variety, and you can expect to encounter the following pros and cons as you pick a card:

Pros:

  • Many options. Card issuers offer a range of travel cards, from no annual fee options to premium cards with high fees and luxury benefits. Diverse offerings allow you to find a card that matches your travel needs, whether you go on one or two trips a year or are regularly on the road.
  • Potential to save money on travel. You can typically redeem travel card rewards to cover travel expenses. Some cards also offer money-saving perks such as free checked bags on eligible flights and annual statement credits to pay for eligible travel. To actually save money with your card, be sure not to carry a balance, and make sure you’re getting enough value to make up for any annual fee.
  • Travel more comfortably. In addition to cost savings, travel cards can offer perks such as airport lounge access and late hotel checkout that enhance your travel experience.

Cons:

  • Maximizing rewards can take effort. Some travel cards offer a lot of benefits, and it can take planning to maximize the value you receive.
  • May have high interest rates. Many of the best travel credit cards may charge above-average interest rates, making them less suitable for people who carry balances.
  • May require higher credit scores for approval. Credit score requirements can vary by card, but you should aim for a credit score in the good range or higher when you apply for a travel credit card.

What is the best travel credit card for you?

Choosing the best travel credit card for you requires drawing a few boundaries. How high of an annual fee are you comfortable paying? Do you travel enough to make use of benefits? What options are available to you based on your credit score? These questions will help guide you to the right corner of the market, whether that’s no annual fee travel cards, premium options or something in the middle.

Other worthwhile questions to ask yourself include: Do you fly with the same airline every time and stay at the same hotel brands? Do you travel internationally? How do you want to use your rewards?

Your choices will also look different depending on why you travel.

Best credit cards for leisure travel

Leisure travelers have to foot all their own expenses on the road, and savings from benefits such as free checked bags can add up if you use them enough. Don’t forget to make sure you travel enough to get your money’s worth if you’re paying an annual fee for the card.

Best credit cards for business travel

Business travelers may want to consider getting co-branded airline and hotel cards that line up with their companies’ travel policies. These cards may help you reach elite status faster in the airline or hotel loyalty program, which can be very welcome for a road warrior. If your company requires you to book travel through a specific platform (vs. letting you book yourself and reimbursing you), this may affect your ability to earn and redeem rewards and benefits.

Best credit cards for road trips

Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, travel credit cards can be a great option for road trips. Several cards offer bonus rewards for spending at gas stations. Consumers with the Sapphire Reserve can use the card’s annual $300 travel credit to cover road trip expenses like tolls. Depending on how long your trip is and where you plan to sleep at night, a co-branded hotel credit card might be a good complement.

How to maximize your travel credit card benefits

In addition to earning points or miles for your next vacation, many travel credit cards offer some form (or forms) of travel insurance. While the exact terms vary from card to card, this can include trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage loss or delay insurance, and even rental car insurance.

Other benefits can include free checked bags on flights, free nights at eligible hotels and reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. These perks can help you feel like the most valued customer even if you’re not a frequent traveler.

Luxury travel perks provided by credit cards

A premium card’s benefits should justify the annual fee it charges. One possible luxury perk is a Priority Pass membership, granting you access to airport lounges around the world.

Depending on the card, you could also get access to travel consultants, special assistance at the airport and exclusive restaurant reservations.

When should you use a travel credit card?

You should use a travel credit card for your travel purchases, but its usefulness may go beyond that. For example, if your card comes with cell phone insurance, you may want to use it to pay your monthly wireless bill. Travel cards often earn bonus rewards in other spending categories, too.

Premium cards, such as Amex Platinum, may also reimburse eligible non-travel spending.

Alternatives to travel credit cards

If you’re looking for a simpler way to earn rewards, a cash back credit card may be a better choice for you. College students who don’t have the credit to qualify for one of the best travel rewards cards should consider the best student credit cards.

If you want travel protections beyond what your card offers, consider other travel insurance options.

Important considerations for international travelers

Before you pack a credit card for international travel, you should check whether your card charges a foreign transaction fee, and be aware that American Express and Discover cards are not as commonly accepted as Visa and Mastercard outside the US. You should also check whether you need to notify your bank of upcoming travel to avoid fraud alerts on your account, and whether you have benefits like travel insurance to assist if things go wrong.

Methodology

Our money and data analytics teams compared over 100 credit cards — from cards that earn transferable, flexible points to co-branded airline and hotel cards. From there, we narrowed down our list to pick the best credit card for travel in different categories by giving them a star rating out of five based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:

Sign-up bonus value (25%)

A big welcome bonus can be a great way to kickstart your travel rewards journey. We gave these bonuses a dollar value based on average points valuations from travel site The Points Guy, with higher rankings going to cards with bigger potential returns.

Rewards value (25%)

A good travel credit card should reward travel purchases, and the best also offer bonuses in complementary spending categories, such as dining and gas. We looked at each card to assess their ongoing earning potential. Cards that don’t offer useful bonus categories or have a low base rewards rate for most spending got lower grades than cards with spending categories that align with the travel and everyday spending habits of consumers.

Benefits and annual credits/bonuses (40%)

Travel credit cards aren’t just about earning rewards. The top travel cards also offer lucrative benefits that can help make your travels more comfortable, save you money or give you added protections at home and on the road. We looked at perks such as airport lounge access, elite status, free checked bags and other day-of-travel perks, travel insurance and purchase protections. We also included annual credits, free night certificates and bonuses tied to meeting spending thresholds, and gave higher marks to cards with easy-to-use benefits.

Select fees (10%)

Most of the best travel cards charge annual fees, but paying an annual fee can be well worth it if the benefits you receive outweigh the yearly cost. We considered the potential return you can get from each card, especially considering statement credits and perks like free checked bags that can save you a substantial amount of money. Annual fee cards with the best overall value got a boost, but so did cards with no annual fee. Cards that charge foreign transaction fees scored much lower.

What didn’t make the cut

While this list includes some of the top travel rewards cards in a number of categories, there are plenty more options to consider if you’re looking to pick up another welcome bonus or get perks with a specific airline or hotel:

  • Other co-branded hotel and airline cards: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is a great choice for frequent travelers looking for Marriott-specific benefits. However, another hotel card or airline card could be a better fit depending on your travel needs.
  • U.S. Bank Altitude? Reserve Visa Infinite? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Reserve Visa Infinite? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Infinite is more of a cash back card than a travel rewards card, but card holders do enjoy a 50% bonus when redeeming their points for eligible travel bookings and up to $325 in annual statement credits for travel purchases, dining, takeout and food delivery.
  • American Express? Gold Card: The Amex Gold is a foodie’s dream, but it didn’t beat out some more travel-oriented cards. It earns 4 Membership Rewards? points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4 Membership Rewards? points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar), 3 Membership Rewards? points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases (terms apply)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Most of the top travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees, but you should check your credit card’s terms and conditions to confirm. None of the cards on our best travel credit cards list adds foreign transaction fees.

You should have a good or excellent credit score when you apply for a travel credit card. Premium products like the Amex Platinum card often require higher credit scores. A number of factors contribute to your score, including your credit utilization rate and length of credit history. Make sure you understand your score so you can take steps to improve it and be a competitive applicant.

Co-branded credit cards can be a good value for people who are loyal to a single airline or hotel chain, but many people are better off sticking to a more flexible card such as the Sapphire Preferred.

How many miles you’ll need to book an award flight depends on factors including where you’re traveling, which program you’re using, what class your ticket is (such as economy or first class) and whether you’re flying on peak dates. Some domestic economy awards can start as low as 7,500 miles, while it’s not uncommon for international first and business class awards to cost more than 100,000 miles. If you’re saving up for a specific trip, spend some time searching for award tickets to get an idea of how much that route might cost.

Points and miles are worth different amounts depending on the program and how you redeem them. Two people with the Venture X might get very different values out of their miles if one person is redeeming them as statement credits against travel purchases (at a fixed rate of 1 cent each) and the other is transferring them to partner airlines to book international first class award tickets. You should look at your redemption patterns, comparing the miles you spend to the cash price of the same award, to see how much miles are worth to you.

To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card? from American Express please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for Wells Fargo Autograph Journey? Card * The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. please visit this page.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, Citi Premier? Card, Citi Strata Premier? Card, Discover it? Miles, U.S. Bank Altitude? Reserve Visa Infinite? Card, U.S. Bank Cash+? Visa Signature? Card and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines, hotel chain, or other commercial entity and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of such entities.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended and should not be understood to constitute financial, investment, insurance or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any financial, insurance or investment decisions.

Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed or may no longer be available.

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