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Sep 18

The Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024

Travel credit cards offer an excellent opportunity to earn points, miles, or cash back on your purchases while enjoying exclusive perks. With 2024 well underway, many travel credit cards have updated their offers, making it the perfect time to find the best card to suit your travel style and financial needs. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a road trip enthusiast, or someone who wants to save on everyday expenses, here are some of the top travel credit cards of 2024.



The Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024


1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why it’s great: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card continues to be a favorite for travelers thanks to its flexible rewards program and generous welcome offer. You earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on all other travel expenses. The points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners or redeemed for travel through the Chase portal at a 25% bonus.

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

  • Best for: Travelers looking for flexibility in redeeming rewards and those who want to maximize dining and travel spending.


2. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Why it’s great: The Platinum Card® from American Express is known for its luxurious perks, including access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, up to $200 in airline fee credits, and extensive hotel and travel benefits. You earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, as well as 5x points on prepaid hotels.

  • Annual Fee: $695

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.

  • Best for: Frequent flyers who value luxury perks, airport lounge access, and premium travel experiences.


3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Why it’s great: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is perfect for travelers who prefer simplicity. You earn 2x miles on every purchase, and the miles can be used to erase any travel-related expense. Plus, Capital One offers travel partners for those who want to transfer their miles for greater value.

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

  • Best for: Travelers who want straightforward earning and redemption options without keeping track of bonus categories.


4. Citi Premier® Card

Why it’s great: The Citi Premier® Card is designed for travelers who like to earn points on various categories, including air travel, hotels, gas stations, and supermarkets. You earn 3x points in these categories, and points can be transferred to airline partners or redeemed for travel through the Citi ThankYou® portal.

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

  • Best for: Travelers looking for a card with multiple bonus categories and flexible points redemption.


5. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Why it’s great: For those seeking a no-annual-fee option, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. You earn unlimited 1.5x points on all purchases, and points can be redeemed for a wide range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, and vacation rentals.

  • Annual Fee: $0

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.

  • Best for: Travelers looking for a no-fee card with flexible redemption options.


6. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Why it’s great: This is an ideal card for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties. You earn 12x Hilton Honors points on purchases at Hilton hotels, 6x points on dining, groceries, and gas, and 3x points on all other purchases. Cardholders also receive complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which comes with perks like free breakfast and room upgrades.

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.

  • Best for: Hilton loyalists who want to maximize points earnings and enjoy hotel benefits.


7. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Why it’s great: For travelers who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, this card is a must-have. You earn 3x points on Southwest purchases and 2x points on local transit and commuting. Additional perks include 7,500 anniversary points and $75 in Southwest travel credit each year.

  • Annual Fee: $149

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.

  • Best for: Southwest enthusiasts who want to earn rewards and enjoy travel credits.


How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

When selecting a travel credit card, it’s important to consider your travel habits and lifestyle. Ask yourself these questions:

  1. What are your travel goals? If you’re a frequent flyer, cards with airline miles and lounge access might be more beneficial. If you prefer road trips, a card that rewards gas station purchases may suit you better.

  2. What is the annual fee? Some cards have hefty annual fees, but they offer perks that can easily outweigh the cost if used correctly. Make sure the benefits you’re receiving justify the fee.

  3. How flexible are the rewards? Some cards offer more flexibility in how you redeem your rewards. If you value choice, look for cards that allow transfers to various airline and hotel partners or offer statement credits for travel purchases.

  4. Are there any extra benefits? Features like travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and purchase protection can make a card more valuable, especially if you travel frequently.



Final Thoughts

The best travel credit card for you will depend on your specific needs and how you travel. Whether you're after luxurious perks, no annual fee, or straightforward rewards, 2024 has a travel card that will fit your lifestyle. Be sure to compare each card’s benefits and annual fees to maximize your travel experience.


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