12 Best Travel Credit Cards for Rewards Amazon Top Picks

As you prepare for your next adventure, you're likely wondering which travel credit card will give you the most bang for your buck. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But what if you could earn lucrative sign-up bonuses, enjoy generous earning rates, and receive valuable travel perks like insurance and airport lounge access? The good news is that there are 12 top travel credit cards that stand out from the rest, and we're about to break them down for you. But which one will come out on top?

At a Glance

• Top travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, such as 60,000 points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred after spending $4,000 in three months.
• Cards like Capital One Venture Rewards and Barclays Arrival Plus offer unlimited miles or points on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits.
• Travel insurance and assistance benefits are available with cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Citi Premier Travel Credit Card.
• Some cards, like Citi AAdvantage Executive Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, offer airport lounge access, while others provide foreign transaction fee waivers.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits

You'll earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. This is a great starting point for your travel rewards journey.

The card also offers a range of benefits that'll make your travels more enjoyable and stress-free. For instance, you'll get travel insurance, which covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays.

This means you'll be protected in case something goes wrong, and you'll get reimbursed for your expenses. Additionally, you won't have to worry about foreign transaction fees, which can add up quickly when you're abroad.

With the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you'll pay no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travel. Overall, the card's benefits are designed to give you peace of mind and more freedom to enjoy your travels.

Capital One Venture Rewards Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Card offers a simple, flexible rewards program that lets you earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. This means you can earn miles on everything from daily essentials to big-ticket items, with no rotating categories or spending limits to worry about.

As a cardholder, you'll also enjoy a range of valuable benefits that can enhance your travel experience.

Some of the key card benefits include:

• One-time 50,000-mile bonus after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months
• Travel insurance that covers accidents, trip cancellations, and more
• 24/7 concierge service to help with travel bookings and planning
• No foreign transaction fees, so you can use your card abroad without extra charges

With the Capital One Venture Rewards Card, you can redeem your miles for travel purchases with no blackout dates or restrictions.

Plus, you can transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs, giving you even more flexibility and options for redeeming your rewards.

Barclays Arrival Plus Travel

With the Barclays Arrival Plus Travel credit card, earning 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days sets you up for a serious rewards haul.

You'll get 2X miles on all purchases, and miles can be redeemed for travel purchases with no blackout dates or restrictions. Plus, you'll get 5% miles back to use toward your next redemption.

As a cardholder, you'll also receive travel insurance, which provides protection against trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays.

Additionally, you'll enjoy no foreign transaction fees, making international travel a breeze.

The annual fee is $89, but it's waived for the first year, giving you a chance to try out the card and see the benefits for yourself.

With the Barclays Arrival Plus Travel credit card, you'll have the flexibility to book travel on your own terms and redeem your miles for statement credits.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, this card can help you make the most of your travel budget.

Citi Premier Travel Credit Card

Earning 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, the Citi Premier Travel credit card offers a robust rewards program that can help you maximize your travel budget. You'll earn 3X points on travel, including gas stations, and 2X points on dining and entertainment. With no foreign transaction fees, you can use your card abroad without worrying about extra charges.

The Citi Premier Travel credit card offers several benefits, including:

• Travel insurance: Get trip cancellation, trip interruption, and travel delay insurance to protect your travel plans
• Airline perks: Enjoy no blackout dates or restrictions on airline travel redemptions
• 24/7 concierge service: Get assistance with travel bookings, restaurant reservations, and more
• Purchase protection: Get extended warranties and protection against theft or damage

With a $95 annual fee, the Citi Premier Travel credit card is a great option for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards quickly and enjoy valuable travel benefits.

American Express Platinum Perks

You'll access a world of luxury travel perks with the American Express Platinum card, which offers unparalleled benefits that can elevate your travel experience.

As a cardholder, you'll enjoy access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club, and Priority Pass. You'll also receive a $200 airline fee credit, which can be used towards incidentals like baggage fees or in-flight meals.

Additionally, you'll get a $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, making security checks a breeze. When you book hotels through Amex's Fine Hotels & Resorts program, you'll receive perks like room upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout.

You'll also earn 5x points on air travel booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1x point on other eligible purchases.

With the American Express Platinum card, you'll be treated to a level of luxury and convenience that will make your travels feel truly exceptional. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a luxury travel enthusiast, this card is designed to make your journeys more enjoyable and rewarding.

Hilton Honors Aspire Card

How does a free weekend night stay at any Hilton property worldwide sound to you? With the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, you can enjoy this luxurious perk, plus many more. As a cardholder, you'll receive a free weekend night reward, plus a second night reward when you spend $60,000 on the card in a calendar year.

14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points are earned on eligible Hilton stays. Diamond status is also granted, which gives you access to exclusive benefits like room upgrades and late check-out. Additionally, you'll receive a $250 annual resort credit to use on qualifying Hilton resort stays, as well as a $100 property credit on qualifying Hilton stays. Priority Pass airport lounge access is also included, so you can relax in style before your flight.

With the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, you'll be treated to luxury stays and exceptional service at over 5,700 Hilton properties worldwide. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just need a weekend getaway, this card has got you covered.

Wells Fargo Propel Travel Card

The Wells Fargo Propel Travel Card offers a compelling alternative for travelers who want a rich rewards program without the luxury perks of premium cards like the Hilton Honors Aspire Card.

You'll earn 3X points on dining, 2X points on gas stations, and 1X point on everything else. Plus, you'll get a $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95.

As a Propel cardholder, you'll enjoy Wells Fargo benefits like no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance. You can redeem your points for travel, cash back, or other rewards with no blackout dates or restrictions.

Additionally, you'll get Propel perks like a $0 introductory annual fee and a 20,000-point bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.

Bank of America Travel Rewards

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offers a straightforward rewards program that lets you earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits. This means you can earn points on every single purchase you make, without having to worry about hitting specific spending thresholds or enrolling in certain categories.

You can redeem your points for travel purchases with no blackout dates or restrictions.

You don't have to pay foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad.

You get a 25,000-point bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.

You can get a 10% customer points bonus when you have an active Bank of America checking or savings account.

BoA travel hacks like booking travel through the Bank of America Travel Center can help you maximize your points.

Additionally, you don't have to worry about BofA credit limits holding you back, as there's no cap on the number of points you can earn.

Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

Earning 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months is just the beginning of the rewards you'll reap with the Citi AAdvantage Executive Card.

As a cardholder, you'll enjoy airport lounge access, including Admirals Club lounges, allowing you to relax and recharge before your flight. You'll also receive travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, as well as travel and emergency assistance.

With this card, you'll earn 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1X mile on other purchases. You'll also get a $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, making your travel experience even smoother.

Additionally, you'll enjoy priority check-in, security, and boarding on American Airlines flights.

The $450 annual fee may seem steep, but the perks and benefits far outweigh the cost for frequent travelers. Plus, you'll get a complimentary authorized user, making it easy to share the benefits with a loved one.

United Explorer Credit Card

You'll take your United Airlines travel to new heights with the United Explorer Credit Card, which offers 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months. This card is designed for frequent flyers who want to elevate their travel experience with United Perks and Explorer Benefits.

2X miles are earned on United purchases, at restaurants, and on hotel stays. A 25% statement credit is offered on in-flight food and drink purchases. You'll also receive a free first checked bag for you and a companion, priority boarding, and 2 one-time United Club passes. Additionally, there are $0 foreign transaction fees and travel insurance benefits.

With the United Explorer Credit Card, you'll enjoy a range of benefits that make your travel more rewarding and convenient. Whether you're a frequent business traveler or a leisure traveler, this card can help you make the most of your United Airlines flights.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card

By becoming a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card member, you gain access to a wealth of premium benefits and rewards that can substantially enhance your Delta travel experience.

As a Reserve Card holder, you'll enjoy SkyTeam perks, including priority boarding, check-in, and baggage handling, making your travel experience smoother and more efficient.

Additionally, you'll have access to Delta's airline lounges, where you can unwind and recharge before your flight.

You'll also receive a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year, making it easier to share your travel experiences with loved ones.

With the Reserve Card, you'll earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and 1X mile on all other eligible purchases, making it easy to rack up rewards points quickly.

Plus, you'll receive a $100 statement credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, making security checks a breeze.

With these benefits, you'll be well on your way to becoming a travel pro.

Ink Business Preferred Benefits

With the Ink Business Preferred card, your business expenses can generate a wealth of rewards and benefits that help you manage your company's finances more efficiently.

You'll earn 3X points on travel, shipping, internet, and other business categories, plus a 100,000-point bonus after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months.

This card also offers a range of benefits that can save you time and money on business travel.

Some of the key benefits include:

Travel insurance and assistance: Get covered for trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays, as well as access to travel and emergency assistance services.

Credit limits: Enjoy flexible credit limits that can be adjusted based on your business needs.

Purchase protection: Get protection against theft, loss, or damage of eligible items for up to 120 days.

Extended warranty protection: Extend the manufacturer's warranty on eligible items by up to one year.

Employee cards: Get free employee cards and set individual spending limits to control expenses.

FAQs

Can I Use Travel Credit Cards for Non-Travel Related Purchases?

You can use travel credit cards for non-travel related purchases, but bear in mind to weigh your credit score and daily spending habits to maximize rewards and avoid accumulating debt.

Are Foreign Transaction Fees Waived on All Travel Credit Cards?

You'll find that not all travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees. Be sure to check the fee structures and transaction limits before applying, as some cards may charge up to 3% on international purchases.

Do Travel Credit Cards Offer Trip Cancellation Insurance?

You'll be relieved to know that many travel credit cards offer trip protection, including insurance benefits that cover trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays, giving you peace of mind when planning your next adventure.

Can I Redeem Points for Cash Back or Statement Credits?

You can redeem points for cash back or statement credits with many rewards programs, but be aware that points expiration dates may apply, and rewards flexibility varies between cards, offering more or less value.

Do Travel Credit Cards Have Annual Fee Waivers for the First Year?

You'll find that many travel credit cards offer annual fee waivers for the first year, allowing you to enjoy sign-up bonuses and explore the fee structure before committing to the annual cost.